The 4 Steps You Need to Take After an Accident

So you’ve gotten into an accident, what now?

11:08 26 March 2021

This is a question that thousands of people ask themselves every day in the U.S. It could be a result of a traffic incident or falling off a bike, or maybe a workplace incident, but no matter the incident in question, it’s always important to ask the question of what you need to do next. There is a lot that can be worrisome and hard to comprehend, but that’s why you’re reading this.

 

Handling the aftermath of an accident isn’t always as dramatic as portrayed in the movies, in fact, most of the time it’s rather cut and dry. Of course, there are times of serious incidents, but keep in mind that these steps you’ll reed as basically applicable to nearly any incident, regardless of severity. Follow these 4 steps post-accident to ensure that you can receive the right recovery care, support, and eventually move on.

 

1. Hire a Lawyer Immediately

 

One of the first steps anyone should get sorted out following any kind of accident is to hire legal representation. This is a must in a lot of busy cities in Texas. Having a lawyer on your side is beneficial in many ways. The first is that you need legal guidance to help navigate the storm of issues that you may have to deal with. Who’s at fault, who did what, evidence, dealing with the police, dealing with coworkers or employers, etc. There is a lot of things you may be green about that are going to need to be figured out and the best person for the job is a lawyer, this is the strictest reason for their support. 

 

The second issue is handling your own emotions with the case. The Houston slip and fall lawyers at Reich & Binstock, PLLC show what kind of services are provided by a legal team, all of which fall into the representation categories from the first point, but there’s more to it. A lawyer is also there as emotional support because of that storm of problems that could be coming down the pipeline. They help you handle the issues by relieving you of many of the worries that can cause you distress.

 

2. Seek Assistance With Any Medical Problems

 

Another crucial factor is receiving the proper medical attention as quickly as possible. In fact, this is likely more pressing than hiring a lawyer right away. You want to make sure that if you have suffered any severe injuries, that you are going to receive medical attention as quickly as you can. Getting you safe is the most important thing, but even if you don’t have visible injuries, you could still be hurt.

 

A simple slip and fall can lead to a lifetime of elbow, back, hip, or head damage that is unseen at the time, so it’s crucial to get evaluated. Often people think this is only applicable for major car crashes or bike accidents, but it’s just as relevant for falling off of a 4-foot ladder at work as it is in a head-on collision. Always seek immediate medical assistance following an accident to ensure your safety and everyone else.

 

3. Obtain Evidence or Information About the Accident

 

Assuming you have received the right medical care and you’re still on the scene of the incident at your workplace or at the scene of a car accident, it’s advised that you collect evidence and information regarding what happened. You don’t have to be a detective or police officer to start collecting things like photos, witness testimonies, or dates and times, you just have to be present and aware of your surroundings. Oftentimes, the evidence you collect will help corroborate your claims for insurance and help for the case as a whole.

 

4. File an Insurance Claim

 

You also need to file an insurance claim. The quicker you can contact your insurance company to begin an investigation and make your claim about damages sustained, the quicker it will be to receive compensation. An insurance claim can be walked through by your lawyer, but it’s still good to know that this is a key step to do early on following an accident as it helps establish your culpability regarding the accident and that you are taking responsibility.

 

Accidents are an unfortunate part of life, but the good thing is that we have the power to take back control following an incident. No matter if it’s a slip and fall at work, getting clipped while riding a bike, or getting hurt because of neglect, these 4 steps are universally valuable to remember after an accident.