A car accident is a sudden, terrifying event. In the moments right after a crash, especially on busy routes like Interstate 69 or I-465, it is easy to panic and forget what to do. You need to take clear, immediate steps.
Here are five critical, practical actions to take at the scene; steps that protect your health, your potential claim and your future.
Call for help
Your priority must be the health and safety of everyone involved. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries right away:
- If your car still runs and it is safe, move it out of active traffic.
- If your vehicle is disabled, activate your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers.
Then call 911, even if the accident seems minor. While you are not always legally required to have an official police report to file an insurance claim, notifying authorities is mandatory if the accident involves injury, death or property damage over $1,000. A police report is crucial evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim later.
Gather vital information
If you are physically able, document the scene thoroughly before you leave. Use your phone to take pictures and videos, which are essential to your claim. Here’s a rundown of information to gather:
- Photograph all vehicle damage and license plates
- Capture the road conditions, traffic signs and any visible injuries
- Exchange names, insurance details and phone numbers with the other driver
- Seek out any witnesses and obtain their complete contact information
This detailed evidence directly supports your version of what happened. Do not skip this essential step.
Seek immediate medical care
Go to the doctor or hospital right away. Adrenaline often masks serious injuries, and you may not feel the full extent of your pain immediately. Getting immediate care creates a vital medical record that legally links your injuries directly to the car accident. Never delay your treatment.
Watch what you say
Do not apologize, admit any fault, or speculate on the cause of the accident to the other driver, passengers or bystanders. Under Indiana’s Modified Comparative Fault Act, your words can be used to assign fault, and you are completely barred from recovering compensation if you are deemed 51% or more responsible.
Insurers look for ways to put as much of the blame on you as possible. When speaking to the police, stick only to the objective facts of what happened, avoiding opinions or guesses.
Notify your insurer and save records
Inform your own insurance company promptly about the accident. Provide them with the facts only, avoiding speculation or opinions.
Finally, start an organized file. Keep all documents related to the crash, including medical bills, the police report, follow-up medical appointments and any documentation of lost wages. Keeping a complete record helps prove your losses later.
Taking these precautions protects your physical health and your legal rights in the aftermath of a crash. Recovering from an accident while managing a personal injury claim is difficult. That’s why having skilled legal guidance is vitally important to protect your rights and well-being.
