The steps you take in the hours and days following an accident can meaningfully affect both your physical recovery and the strength of any legal claim you may pursue. Acting carefully and promptly is important. Your priority is your safety and health. If you are injured, call 911 and get medical attention.

This applies even if you feel the injury may be minor. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and concussions, are not immediately apparent and can worsen if left untreated. Delaying medical care can also make it easier for an insurance company to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. If you are physically able to do so, document the scene. Take photographs of vehicle positions, road conditions, visible injuries, and any property damage. Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of any other parties involved, and note the names and badge numbers of any responding officers. Do not admit fault at the scene, even casually, as those statements can be used against you. Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters until you have spoken with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and what you say early in the process can be used to limit your recovery. Keep a record of all medical appointments, missed workdays, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury. Then contact us as promptly as you can. Early involvement allows us to preserve critical evidence and protect your rights from the start.