What to Do After You’re Injured in an Accident

Posted by: Copenhaver, Ellet & Derrico

An unexpected situation that leads to serious injuries can be overwhelming. You may have no idea what to do after you’re injured in an accident. However, by taking the steps listed below, you can remain calm and move forward with your life after an incident.

If you’ve been injured, you don’t have to deal with the situation alone. Contact Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico to speak with a compassionate personal injury lawyer who can help you decide what your next steps should be. Call us at (540) 655-1854.

Move to a safe area.

If the location where the accident happened is not safe, you should get yourself to safety as quickly as possible. If there are other people nearby, you may help them if you’re able. It can be difficult to know how far to move and where to go. However, your primary concern should be to avoid being injured any further.

Get medical treatment.

After an accident, you should see a doctor right away. Whether you go to an emergency room or schedule an appointment with your doctor, you should get medical treatment as soon as possible. You may think you’re fine, but some injuries, such as whiplash, can develop over time. It’s best to get checked out right after a crash.

Call the police.

In Virginia, you are required to call local police, a sheriff, or highway patrol if you are in a car accident that results in a fatality, injuries, or damage to another person’s property exceeding $1,000. It can also be beneficial to call the police and file a report after many other types of accidents. If you were injured, the police report will serve as important evidence in establishing legal liability so that the person responsible for your accident will compensate you for your losses.

Collect evidence at the scene.

If you are seriously injured in an accident, you may not be able to move around the scene of an accident. However, if you are able to walk, you can collect information that will be used in a claim later. You may also ask someone else to collect evidence at the scene of the accident for you. You should collect the following after any accident:

  • Pictures and videos of the scene
  • Sketches of the incident
  • A written description of the accident
  • Names of bystanders who witnesses the event
  • Insurance information from the person or people who may be responsible

You can do most evidence collection with a cellular phone. Even a sketch of the scene can be recorded on your phone along with notes about what happened. The details of the accident will fade from memories quickly. As evidence disappears, so do your ability to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Call a personal injury attorney.

If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you should call an attorney right away. A personal injury lawyer in Roanoke can conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence and help you obtain the resources you need to recover. You may be able to recover the following compensation through a personal injury claim:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico has worked with clients who have been injured in an array of different personal injury situations. We will listen to your situation and develop a plan to help you recover compensation for your losses. Call us today at (540) 655-1854 for a free consultation.