It only takes seconds for an auto collision to occur, but the injuries they can leave behind can last a lifetime. If you were injured in a crash that you weren’t at fault for, you may be entitled to compensation for all damages related to your medical care and beyond. However, to make sure you receive a fair payment according to law, there are several steps you’ll need to prove and present your claim. To help you prepare for these events, here’s what you should do after incurring an auto accident injury.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered an Auto Accident Injury

1. Put Safety First

If you can tell that you’re injured in a car crash, don’t move, as doing so may cause more harm. If possible, call 911 for help and wait for emergency crews to arrive.

2. Collect Necessary Information & Report the Accident

Collect the relevant insurance information from the other driver—including their name, driver’s license number, contact information, and proof of insurance.

Call local law enforcement so they can file a police report regarding the accident. This information may be used later to verify the details of your claim.

3. Contact Insurance

To begin the claims process, you’ll need to call your auto insurance company as soon as possible and inform them of the accident. You or your agent should contact the other driver’s provider to begin the claims process.

Be aware that the at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you about the accident. Since these details may be used as evidence to invalidate your claim, it’s best not to share information until you speak with a personal injury attorney.  

4. Get a Medical Report

A successful personal injury case will need to demonstrate that the accident did cause you harm. One of the best ways to prove this is to seek a full exam from a qualified physician and have them create a medical report that shows the extent of the auto accident injury.

5. Build & Present Case  

With help from an attorney, your case should show evidence that the other party was at fault, caused your injury in the accident, and left you with damages that require compensation—such as lost wages, rehabilitative therapy, surgery, and other medical expenses. In many cases, this evidence will be considered and settled out of court. However, if the other party contests, you may need to take the case to trial.  

While seeking compensation for an auto accident injury involves several steps, it’s not a process you have to go through alone. As a client of Osborne, Tripp & Schmidt, you can rely on the skills of experienced personal injury attorneys to build a strong and convincing case. Possessing extensive knowledge of current laws and insurance practices, these Sparta, WI lawyers will also assess damages fairly to ensure your settlement is acceptable. Visit this law firm online to learn more about these services or call (608) 269-2400 to schedule a consultation with a caring lawyer.