Car accidents happen when we least expect them. Knowing what to do afterward can make all the difference.
If you have been injured in a car wreck, a slip and fall, or any accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Getting help from a qualified car accident attorney can make a major difference in your case.
Here is a simple guide to help you understand when and why contacting a car accident lawyer is important for protecting your future.
Step One: Call 911 Immediately
The first thing you should do after an accident is call 911.
Emergency responders will arrive to help, and calling 911 officially documents the incident. All 911 calls are recorded, providing a reliable source of information that can later support your claim.
Having emergency services on the scene ensures that injuries are treated promptly and that an official accident report is created.
The responding law enforcement officer will investigate the collision, gather information at the scene, and draft a formal accident report. In some cases, the officer may issue citations to the at-fault driver based on the investigation.
This official documentation can be critical to your personal injury claim.
Step Two: Get Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention right away. Visit the emergency room, an urgent care center, or your primary care provider.
Medical documentation is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any personal injury case.
Without clear medical records showing the nature and extent of your injuries, insurance companies may question the validity of your claim.
Prompt treatment also protects your health. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately obvious but can become serious if left untreated.
Step Three: Document the Scene If You Can
If you are physically able, try to gather evidence at the scene of the accident.
Take photos of:
- The vehicles involved
- Any visible injuries
- Road conditions, signage, and surroundings
- License plates and driver’s license information
Dash cam footage or witness statements can also strengthen your case.
Capturing this evidence immediately helps preserve important details that might otherwise be lost.
Step Four: Contact a Car Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, your next call should be to a car accident attorney.
At the Mike Hostilo Law Firm, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and help guide you through the next steps.
Our team understands that dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. Their goal is often to minimize your settlement, not to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Insurance companies are not concerned with your injuries or your recovery. Their primary goal is to limit your treatment and reduce the overall amount they must pay out on your claim.
Having a car accident lawyer on your side helps protect your rights and can improve your chances of receiving a fair outcome.
We work to make the process easier for you:
- We offer virtual signups for your convenience
- Our investigators are available in every market and can come directly to you if needed
- We handle communication with insurance companies, gather medical records, and manage legal paperwork so you can focus on recovery
You should not have to fight the insurance companies alone. Let our team assist you every step of the way.
Why Timing Matters: Do Not Wait to Call
It is important to contact an attorney early, ideally within days of the accident.
Waiting too long can:
- Lead to evidence being lost or harder to collect
- Give insurance companies more time to build a case against you
- Risk missing important legal deadlines
The sooner you act, the better your chances are of building a strong case.
Contact the Mike Hostilo Law Firm: Your Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a car wreck or accident, do not delay.
Call the Mike Hostilo Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our team is ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and help you work toward the best possible result.
We are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.
