5 Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident

April 8, 2025
A motorcycle is laying on the ground next to a red car.

After a car accident, the decision you make after the crash can seriously influence your recovery and the compensation you receive. Working through the emotional, physical, and legal challenges that come with a car accident can be overwhelming and a lot to handle. Whether you’re dealing with the pain from injuries, increasingly expensive medical bills, or insurance claims, it’s important to take the right steps and measures to protect your health and your claim. 

Table of Contents

Introduction

Dealing with the consequences of a car accident can be difficult, and both emotionally and physically. From taking care of your health and dealing with the pain from injuries, expensive medical bills, or the stress of dealing with insurance claims, knowing the right steps to take can make a huge difference in your life. Having an attorney on your side can help you understand the complexities of your case and ensure you avoid common mistakes. 



Here are five important steps to help guide you through the recovery process: 

Step 1: Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel fine

After an accident, you might be in shock, and the adrenaline can hide many injury symptoms. What feels like a minor ache today could turn into a serious health problem later. Because of this, it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can identify hidden injuries, start treatment immediately, and ensure everything is properly documented, which is the key for filing insurance claims. Don’t ignore any new symptoms that might arise after your visit. Follow up with your doctor and keep detailed records of all treatments you receive.

Step 2: Report the accident to your insurance

To protect your best interests, make sure you speak with a personal injury lawyer before contacting your insurance company. Many personal Injury attorneys, including DBHill Law, offer free consultations so you can receive expert advice at no cost. An attorney can guide you on what to say and what not to say to your insurance company, ensuring that you don’t accidentally jeopardize your claim.


When talking with Insurance company, try to protect yourself:


  • Stick to the basic facts: time, date, and location. 
  • Avoid admitting fault or making any statements about the accident that you are unsure.
  • Be aware that Insurance adjusters can use your words against you to minimize or deny your claim. Speak with a personal injury lawyer before giving any recorded statements or agreeing to a settlement.

Step 3: Gather as much evidence as possible

Building a strong case requires you to bring forth solid evidence. If possible, collect the following:



  • Driver Information: Gather names, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information from all involved drivers.
  • Vehicle Details: Note the make, model, and color of vehicle/s involved in the accident. 
  • Photos & Videos: Take pictures of vehicle damage and visible injuries. Also, take pictures or videos of road conditions, skid marks, broken glass, car parts, and any debris from the accident scene. 
  • Witness Information: Get contact information from other drivers or pedestrians or anyone who witnessed the accident. Their statements can strengthen your case.
  • Police Report: Request a copy of the official accident report, which can often provide critical details of the accident that you might have overlooked and helps establish fault.
  • Surveillance or Dashcam Footage: Check if nearby businesses or your own dashcam captured the accident.
  • Keep records of any vehicle repairs, towing services, or rental car expenses. 


The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be. A lawyer can also help you gather evidence, such as accident reports and medical records, to build a strong foundation for your case.

Step 4: Talk to a personal injury lawyer before giving any recorded statements or  accepting any offers

Insurance companies often try to settle quickly, but these early offers rarely cover your full medical bills, lost wages, or other future or unseen damages. Speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer before accepting any offer is crucial for your claim. An experienced attorney like

DBHill Law can help evaluate your case, negotiate with insurers, and fight for a fair settlement. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing a professional is handling your case, while you focus on recovery.

Step 5: Take care of your physical & emotional recovery

The aftermath of an accident isn’t just about dealing with complicated paperwork and insurance claims; it’s about healing. Prioritize your health above all else. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even experience symptoms of PTSD after a crash. If you’re struggling emotionally, seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Recovery takes time so patience is key in your healing process. It’s very important to follow your doctor’s recommendations, rest, and allow yourself to heal. 

Conclusion

Taking the right steps after a car accident can make a huge difference in your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured, DBHill Law is here to guide you with compassion through each step of the process. We’ll handle the legalities, deal with the insurance companies, and fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a car accident, call us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you recover.

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6 Steps To Take When You Get In a Motorcycle Accident

February 2, 2021
Riding a motorcycle is a unique passion for a lot of people, but it is also one that comes with very peculiar dangers. The slightest accident while riding a motorcycle could very easily result in serious injuries, given the lack of a buffer between bikers and other elements such as the road or cars. A lot of risks can be mitigated by a motorcyclist being careful and taking some precautions. But statistically, two-thirds of accidents involving a motorcycle and a car are caused by the driver of the car. This means that no matter how careful you are, there is still a chance that you might get into an auto accident . Prepare for accidents before they happen. You do not want to have an accident with a car only to find that the insurance company refuses to pay, hires a defense attorney , and you have no idea where to even begin. This article will walk you through the basic steps you should take if you ever find yourself involved in an auto accident on your motorcycle. 1. Call 911 Before you begin to assess the damage to your motorcycle, you should first ensure that you and everyone else involved in the accident is physically safe. In a serious injury, call 911 operators so that emergency treatment is provided. You should call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of whether or not anyone is hurt. 2. Take pictures ​Regardless of who is at fault, there is a high chance that both your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company will try to avoid paying any bills. If you get into a dispute with insurance companies or even with the other party to the accident, or perhaps have to go to court, every piece of evidence you have will come in handy. 3. Talk to witnesses In addition to your pictures, witness statements will be a crucial part of your case. Talk to as many witnesses as you can find, and be sure to record the important details such as their names, addresses, and contact information. If possible, make an audio recording of their statements. 4. Record details of the surroundings Do your best to create a detailed record of the scene of the accident. This may be crucial in determining who was at fault for the accident in the event of a dispute. Some important details to focus on include: the precise location, the weather, any applicable speed limits, the amount of traffic, and the direction both vehicles were heading in at the time of the accident, etc. 5. Speak to and attorney prior to making an insurance claim You should speak to a lawyer prior to calling your insurance company. While it is important to call your insurance company as soon as you can to report your accident, YOU SHOULD NOT PROVIDE A RECORDED STATEMENT until you have at least discussed the incident with a lawyer. It’s likely they ask you to provide an estimation of the extent of damage to your motorcycle or injury to your person. However, you should refrain from doing this until you have had a professional assessment. Underestimating the extent of damage may significantly hamper efforts to recover the amount of losses entitled to you. 6. Hire an attorney Insurance companies frequently will contest your claim. Typically, this involves allegations of contributory negligence on your part. The other party may argue that you are not injured. If this happens, do not fret. You will need to hire a lawyer who focuses on injury accident disputes to represent you and your interests. Hiring a lawyer can be expensive, but many firms charge you only if you win the case. Conclusion Motorcycle accidents can happen at any time, and frequently will be completely out of your control. Following the steps outlined here maximizes the chances to make a quick and complete recovery when they do happen. ​ One more tip: whatever happens, don’t admit guilt to anyone, even the police or your insurance company. By doing so, you significantly lower your chances of winning subsequent disputes.