7 Things You Must Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Whom Should I Talk to First After a Car Accident?  The Other Driver, Insurance Company, Chiropractor or Lawyer?
​Having been in this business for 24 years here at Soft Touch Chiropractic in Porter Ranch, CA, I have learned that, unless a person is in critical condition and in need of emergency medical care after a car accident, the best thing to do is:

1. TAKE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLES.  Before gathering information, take clear pictures of the other car’s license plate, make and model. In the age of cell phone cameras, this is the best thing you can do to protect yourself.  I had one patient who was involved in a motor vehicle accident and the other driver pretended to go back to his car for his insurance information, but instead left the scene of the accident.  Because my patient was ready with cell phone in hand, he was able to take pictures of the license plate immediately. The fleeing driver was caught within ten minutes of the police being contacted.  After you have pictures of the license plate, take pictures of the damage to both cars from various angles as well as the driver, preferably before the cars are moved to the side of the road. Look at the road for skid marks or debris flung by the cars. It’s a good idea to take pictures of all that as well.
2. TAKE PICTURES OF THE INJURIES AND PASSENGERS.  Check your body for any injuries. If you have open wounds or bruises, take clear pictures of them. Check all your passengers and do the same. Even if there are no injuries, take pictures of the passengers in your vehicle.
3. TAKE PICTURES OF THE OTHER DRIVER’S INFO.  No need to get things in writing, just snap a picture of the driver’s license and both sides of insurance card.  Make sure the pictures are clear.
4. LOOK FOR EYEWITNESSES.  If there are other drivers stopped at the site of the accident, get their phone number first then their full name.
5. CALL A LAWYER WHO SPECIALIZES IN AUTO ACCIDENT AND PERSONAL INJURY CASES.  From the site of the accident, call your lawyer as soon as you get a chance.  It’s best to let a lawyer handle your case directly with the insurance companies.  If you receive a call from the other party’s insurance company, chances are the conversation will be a carefully scripted series of questions designed to take your answers and use them to minimize your pain and suffering, deny your claim or place blame on you. If your lawyer deals directly with both insurance companies, they will be communicating facts without the emotion that surges from having been in an auto accident. For example, an insurance representative might ask the seemingly innocent question, “How are you doing today?”  If, out of habit, you say, “Fine. Thank you.” you are now admitting that there is nothing wrong with you and you’re fine. You might not suspect that this could be used against you, but it will be when it comes time to report your case. The representative’s first loyalty is to the company they work for and so they will act accordingly. If you don’t know if want to hire a lawyer, at least get a consultation over the phone and discuss your case. Most lawyers will give a free first consultation. If you hire a lawyer, it’s possible that they will not charge you until they collect a settlement from the insurance company.  This is the case in California. If that’s not the firm’s practice, they will tell you upfront. It’s best to hire a law firm whose specialties are car accidents and personal injury cases as there are lots of details that are best handled by firms with a great deal of experience.
6. FIND YOURSELF AN EXPERIENCED CHIROPRACTOR.  Your lawyer may want to give you suggestions of chiropractors to visit, but it’s your right to choose a chiropractor whom you want to be treated by, just make sure the doctor takes auto accident cases and has experience working with lawyers.  Make sure the chiropractor is located near your home or near your workplace so it’s convenient for you to consistently receive care following the car accident. Make time to read reviews online for each of the doctors you are considering. A quick search on Google or Yelp can help give you insight into their specialties and whether or not they take motor vehicle accident cases.
7. If you or any of your passengers end up in urgent care or the emergency room of a hospital, be sure to keep all your paperwork and keep record of the name of the doctor who examined you.  Keep note of whether or not they took an MRI, x-rays and what type of x-rays. This information will come handy later on as you build your case and when you see a chiropractor.

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