Getting into a car accident can be traumatic for anyone. According to Value Penguin, approximately 14,386 car accidents happen in the United States daily. That's a lot of collisions that can change lives due to vehicle damage, injury, and worst of all, loss of life. Unfortunately, as auto accident lawyers can tell you, even the most responsible drivers can get into a collision based on the behavior of another driver or inclement weather. With that said, if you understand what steps to take after a collision, it can make a world of difference in the outcome.

1. Contact Your Insurance

One of the first things you should do is contact your auto insurance provider. The point of having insurance is to protect you in cases like accidents or theft. When you contact your auto insurance provider, they'll ask you a series of questions you should answer as accurately as possible. Contact them as soon as possible to make a claim. Don't wait until several days after the accident, do it the same day if you can.

Examples of information you should be able to provide include the date and time the accident occurred. They'll ask you questions about your vehicle, such as the model and year. The insurer will want to know if other vehicles were involved in the collision. Try to specify as much as you can about any damage done to your car and if any repairs are needed. Some insurers may ask for an estimate of the cost of repairs, which you can get from your auto mechanic once they have your car.

2. Get in Touch With Legal Authorities

A car accident is a serious event. Even if you and the other driver are physically well and able to walk away, you should still call the police to file an official report. A police report may be needed as part of your insurance claim and also in the event of a court trial. If the police suspect that alcohol or other substances were involved in causing the accident, don't be surprised if they ask you to take a breathalyzer test.

In addition to the police, you should also hire legal representation. Local auto accident lawyers can help ensure you know your rights and don't get taken advantage of during any litigation. If you suffered any injuries or damage to your vehicle, you have the right to compensation from your insurance and perhaps the other driver. If the case goes to trial, your attorney can handle all the paperwork, gather evidence, and represent you in court. Since insurers can sometimes be hesitant with proper payouts, your lawyer can assure you get your compensation that's due to you promptly.

3. Go to the Hospital

The impact from a car accident can do a lot of damage to your body, though it isn't always obvious. You may have non-visible injuries that you won’t feel until later. It’s a good idea to go to the hospital in case you need to document injuries for insurance and possible litigation.

Two of the most common non-visible injuries that can result from a collision include whiplash and internal bleeding. Whiplash happens when your head is suddenly jerked back and forth. This can cause neck pain and stiffness later on, which can be alleviated with the help of a chiropractor. An accident can also cause a concussion or other brain injuries. You may also have cuts, bruises, and lacerations from the impact. Broken bones and spinal cord injuries can also result from a car accident. Dealing with these types of injuries can be very painful and expensive. That's why you must hire a local auto accident attorney, so you can get the treatment you need without worrying about securing coverage.



Even with responsible driving, you may not be able to prevent a car accident from occurring. Anybody can be a victim to other drivers and hazardous road conditions that are out of their control. Regardless of who or what is at fault for a collision, you should always call auto accident lawyers to help you. These professionals can ensure that your rights aren't violated as you get any compensation and further assistance needed. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate to contact Gridley, Ward & Hamilton for reliable legal representation.