Most people don’t realize that the legal process begins the moment the crash occurs. Decisions made too quickly or without the right assistance can end up costing you a significant amount. In many cases, injury victims look back and regret not doing one key thing early: contacting a lawyer who knows how to handle personal injury claims.
That’s because once you get immediate medical help, your next step should always be legal support. You need someone who knows the law, can protect your rights, and helps make sure the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. That’s why so many injury victims wish they had made the move to get legal help from The Levin Firm before speaking to anyone about the crash.
Why Immediate Legal Help Changes Everything
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to talk to a lawyer. They assume insurance will handle things reasonably or that their injuries are minor. Then, weeks or months later, they realize they’re still hurt, bills are piling up, and the insurance company isn’t helping.
Here’s what a lawyer can do early on that makes a huge difference:
- Talk to witnesses and gather evidence before it’s lost.
- Deal with insurance companies so you don’t say anything that could harm your case.
- Help calculate the full cost of your injuries, including lost income, future medical care, and pain.
- Ensure your claim is filed on time and accompanied by the correct documentation.
- Protect your rights in case the other driver’s insurance blames you or denies your claim.
Missing this step early on is the legal move most people regret. Once you’ve spoken to the other driver’s insurance, delayed care, or failed to collect specific evidence, it’s often too late to go back.
Step-by-Step: What Needs to Happen After a Crash
If you’ve been a victim, these are the steps you absolutely cannot avoid skipping so you don’t regret later:
Check for Injuries and Get Safe
First, look at yourself and your passengers. Are they bleeding? Is something broken? Don’t move unless you’re sure it’s safe.
If the car is in the middle of the road and you can move, turn on hazard lights and pull over to the side. If not, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders.
Call 911 or Seek Police
Even if you think the crash isn’t serious, you need a police report. The police will document the scene, take witness statements, and create a report that becomes necessary legal evidence.
Additionally, calling emergency services ensures that medical help can reach you promptly, which is crucial not only for your health but also for documenting your injuries.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Pain doesn’t always appear immediately. Endorphins can block it, but that doesn’t mean you’re not hurt. Delaying medical care can exacerbate injuries and complicate the process of proving that they were caused by the accident. Always get checked out, even if you feel okay.
Furthermore, medical records made right after a crash are strong proof that your injuries are real and connected to the accident.
Exchange Insurance and Contact Info
Get the other driver’s name, phone number, license plate, and insurance details. If you can’t do this, ask a passenger or witness to help. Do not admit fault or say anything to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer.
Document Everything You Can
Use your phone to take pictures of the cars, damage, injuries, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, everything. Write down what you remember about how the crash happened. The more detail, the better.
How Medical Care Connects to Your Legal Case
Every medical appointment, test, or therapy session becomes proof of your injury. If you skip treatment or stop seeing your doctor, the insurance company will say you must not be seriously hurt.
To protect your case:
- Always follow your doctor’s orders. If they recommend physical therapy, go, even if it’s uncomfortable.
- Keep records of every visit, prescription, and referral.
- Tell your doctor exactly where you feel the pain and when it started so that it can be appropriately documented.
