By the time you're reading this, if you were just in a car accident, you've probably already called 911, exchanged information with the other driver, and been checked out by paramedics or at an urgent care center. That part of the ordeal is behind you. What often catches people off guard is what comes next and what you should already know about it.
Scheduling a Follow-Up Doctor Visit
Getting checked out at the scene or in an emergency room is an important first step to take care of your health after a crash, but it isn't always the last one you'll need.
Some injuries take hours or even a day or two to fully show up, including:
- Whiplash and other neck or back strain
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Soft tissue damage that stiffens up as swelling sets in
- Internal bruising or bleeding that isn't visible from the outside
If anything feels different by the next morning, even something as minor as stiffness or a headache, it's worth scheduling a follow-up visit with your doctor or making another trip to urgent care.
The Insurance Company Might Call Soon
It's common for the other driver's insurance adjuster to reach out within a day or two, sometimes even within 18 or 24 hours. Their goal is usually to get your account of what happened while it's fresh, often in the form of a recorded statement. You're not required to provide a detailed recorded statement right away, especially before you know the full extent of your injuries. It's perfectly reasonable to let them know you'll follow up once you've spoken with your own insurance company or an attorney.
Paperwork Starts Piling Up Fast
Between ambulance bills, ER charges, repair estimates, and rental car paperwork, documentation can start arriving faster than most people expect. Starting a folder, physical or digital, on day one can save a lot of stress later by prioritizing organization.
It helps to keep:
- The police report number
- Contact and insurance information exchanged at the scene
- Any photos taken of the vehicles or the accident location
- Medical paperwork and bills as they arrive
- Copies of any correspondence from insurance companies
A Few Small Decisions That Matter More Than They Seem
A handful of everyday choices on the first day can quietly affect a claim down the road.
It's worth keeping the following in mind:
- Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media
- Let your employer know as soon as possible if your injuries may affect your ability to work
- Keep track of any missed hours or wages from the start, rather than trying to reconstruct them later
- Take time before signing anything from an insurance company, especially a quick settlement offer
Who Should You Call Next? A Trustworthy Attorney.
Once your immediate medical needs are handled and you've started gathering the basics of information about the car accident, the next question is what to do about the accident claim itself. If the accident was minor and straightforward, you may be able to work directly with your insurance company. But if you're dealing with injuries, unclear fault, or an insurance adjuster who's already pushing for a statement or a fast settlement, it's worth having an attorney look at what's happened so far before you go any further.
If your car accident happened in Texas, Hilliard Law and our car accident lawyers would be glad to help you figure out the right next step. We have decades of legal practice behind us and millions of dollars won for car accident clients through settlements and verdicts. Call us at (866) 927-3420 or contact us online for a free consultation to get started.