What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Gather Evidence While Still at the Scene

The evidence you collect in the first 15 minutes can make or break your case. Pull out your phone and start taking pictures of everything. Capture the positions of both vehicles before anyone moves them. Photograph skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and road conditions. Take wide shots that show the entire intersection or stretch of road, then take close shots of all damage to every vehicle involved. Document any visible injuries on yourself or your passengers with photos. Exchange information with the other driver, including full name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and license plate. Write down the make, model, and color of their vehicle. If witnesses stopped, ask for their names and phone numbers. Many people won't wait around for the police, so grab this information quickly. Request the responding officer's name and badge number, and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report. Note the time, weather conditions, and lighting at the scene. This creates a factual record that insurance adjusters and attorneys can reference months later when memories have faded and physical evidence has disappeared.

Seek Medical Attention Even if You Seem Uninjured

Many accident victims walk away thinking they're uninjured, only to wake up the next morning with severe neck pain or internal bleeding. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and spinal damage don't always show symptoms immediately. Whiplash can take 24 to 72 hours to manifest. Internal organ damage might not cause noticeable problems until the condition becomes serious. Visit an emergency room or urgent care within 24 hours of your accident, even if you believe you're okay. Tell the medical provider exactly what happened and describe any discomfort, no matter how minor it seems. This creates a medical record that links your injuries to the collision. Insurance companies routinely deny claims when there's a gap between the accident date and the first medical visit. They'll argue your injuries came from something else or that you weren't hurt badly enough to need treatment. A reliable personal injury attorney will tell you that this medical documentation becomes critical evidence during settlement negotiations or trial. Don't skip follow-up appointments or stop treatment early. Every missed visit gives the insurance company ammunition to reduce your compensation. Follow your doctor's recommendations completely and keep copies of all medical records, bills, and prescription receipts.

When to Contact an Attorney and Why Timing Matters

California's statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. That sounds like plenty of time, but evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage from businesses gets recorded over within 30 to 60 days. Witnesses forget details or change phone numbers, and skid marks fade with the weather. Physical evidence from the vehicles may be thrown out once repairs or totaling occurs. The insurance company's adjuster, meanwhile, starts building their case right away. They're trained to minimize payouts, and they'll record your statements and search for inconsistencies. A car accident attorney can send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction, handle all communication with insurance companies, and investigate the accident while details remain fresh. Many people wait to hire legal help because they assume their case is simple or want to see if they can settle on their own first. This backfires more than it succeeds. By the time they realize the insurance company isn't offering fair compensation, critical evidence has vanished, and their own recorded statements may be used against them. Contact a car accident attorney within the first few days if you've suffered any injuries. A personal injury lawyer who takes your case early can document everything properly, negotiate from a position of strength, and file suit within the deadline if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Future

A car accident throws your life into chaos, but the actions you take afterward determine the outcome. Taking the right steps protects your right to full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering. If you've been injured in a collision, My Lawyer Manwel is ready to fight for you. Our team handles insurance companies and builds your case while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a case evaluation and let us put our experience to work for your claim.