Being involved in a car crash is overwhelming. In an instant, your world is shaken, and the aftermath can feel like chaos. What you do in the first 24 hours after a crash can determine whether your personal injury claim succeeds or fails.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we’ve helped countless Indiana residents navigate this stressful time. Here are the five critical steps you need to take after a car crash to protect your health, your rights, and your future.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your first responsibility after a crash is safety. Call 911 right away. This ensures that:
- Medical help is on the way if anyone is injured.
- Police arrive to document the crash.
- An official report is created, which is vital evidence for your claim.
Don’t try to tough it out or minimize your injuries. If you’re hurt, accept medical care at the scene. If others are injured and you’re able, offer assistance. Stay calm and cooperate with first responders.
Step 2: Document Everything
Your cell phone is one of the most powerful tools you have after a crash. Use it to collect as much evidence as possible:
- Photos of the vehicles, the intersection, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- The license plate and driver’s license of the at-fault driver.
- Contact information for witnesses.
- Videos of traffic patterns or the scene itself.
If someone slows down to ask if you’re okay, snap a photo of their plate—they could later confirm what they saw. No injury attorney has ever wished for fewer photos. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim will be.
Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel “okay,” it’s important to get checked out as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and some conditions—like concussions or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms right away.
If you’re hurt, go to the ER by ambulance. If your injuries seem minor, visit urgent care that same day or the next. At the very least, send a message to your doctor through your patient portal or by email letting them know you were in a crash.
Why does this matter? Insurance companies love to argue that delays in treatment mean you weren’t really hurt. Don’t give them that opportunity. Prompt medical care not only protects your health—it strengthens your claim.
Step 4: Report the Crash—But Be Careful
You need to notify your insurance company after a crash, but keep it short and factual. Stick to the basics: date, time, location, and the vehicles involved.
Be cautious if the at-fault driver’s insurance company calls you. Adjusters are trained to sound friendly, but their goal is to minimize what they pay you. Never give a recorded statement without talking to an attorney first.
Remember: you’re not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company. If they contact you, politely decline until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Step 5: Call an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney
A car crash doesn’t put the rest of your life on hold. You still have work, family, and daily responsibilities, but now you’re dealing with medical bills, car repairs, and insurance adjusters on top of it all.
You don’t have to do this alone. An experienced Indiana injury lawyer can:
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Gather and preserve evidence.
- Help you navigate medical bills and liens.
- Fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies are not your friend. Their job is to protect their bottom line. Having an attorney on your side levels the playing field and gives you the support you need during a difficult time.
Key Takeaways
- Call 911 immediately and make safety your first priority.
- Document everything—photos, videos, and witness information.
- Seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine.
- Report the crash to your own insurer, but don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance without legal advice.
- Contact an Indiana personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Make the Right Call
The first 24 hours after a car crash are critical. Protecting your health and your legal rights starts with the steps you take right away.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Indiana, call the Marc Lopez Law Firm today at 463-238-4579. Let us turn your frustration into compensation.
