Life turns upside down when you get into a car crash.
You’re going about your day. Everything’s fine. The next thing you know you’re injured. Your car is wrecked. And you’ve got a pile of medical bills coming your way.
Let’s be honest.
Most people don’t know what to do after a crash. And that ignorance ends up costing them… BIG TIME.
The good news? Having the right auto accident lawyer – and following these proven steps – plays a huge role in the outcome of any case.
Let’s dive in.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney Is Important
- Step 1: At The Scene
- Step 2: Get Medical Attention
- Step 3: Document Everything
- Step 4: Don’t Deal With Insurance Companies Alone
- Step 5: Hire The Right Auto Accident Lawyer For You
- What To Expect From Your Case
Why Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer Is Important
Here are two facts:
More than 6,500 people are injured in motor vehicle accidents daily.
90% of those people don’t know where to turn for legal help.
The right car accident attorneys can guide victims through every step of the process following an auto accident. That includes helping you collect evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and dealing with any lawsuit that comes your way. Without that help, victims leave money on the table.
Doesn’t that scare you?
Insurance companies have entire teams working on their behalf from day one. Skilled negotiators. Full legal teams. Without an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side, you’re getting bulldozed before you know it.
Step 1: At The Scene
Your actions in the first few moments after a crash can impact your entire case.
Do these things at the scene of any auto accident:
- Move to safety, and check for injuries
- Call 911 — even for minor accidents
- Don’t apologize or admit fault at the scene
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver
- Take photos of both vehicles, the surrounding area, and injuries
A common mistake is to assume the accident was “too minor” to call the police. ALWAYS call the police. Getting a police report is crucial to building your case later on.
Step 2: Get Medical Attention
Seriously.
Go to the doctor. Now.
I can’t stress this enough. Even if you feel fine after an accident, see your doctor ASAP. Injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, and concussions can take time to manifest.
If you wait to get medical treatment, it hurts your case.
Insurance companies will delay claims left and right if they see a gap in treatment. They’ll argue that your injuries aren’t serious. Or weren’t caused by the accident at all.
Get checked out by a doctor. Grab the paperwork. And hold onto every single medical record and receipt related to your accident.
Step 3: Document Everything
Essentially, you’ll create your own case file.
The more information you have, the better chance you have at negotiating a higher settlement. So document these things:
- Photos and video of the accident scene, damage, and injuries
- Witness statements with contact information
- Medical records and bills
- Time off of work as a result of the accident
- Any other expenses that are the direct result of your accident
You get the picture.
When in doubt, DOCUMENT IT.
An experienced auto accident lawyer will have no problem using all of this information to your advantage later on.
Step 4: Don’t Deal With Insurance Companies Alone
Listen up…
Your insurance company will contact you FAST. They’ll act like your best friend. They’ll make you offers that seem “too good to be true.”
But here’s the thing. Insurance companies’ goal is to settle claims as quickly and as cheap as possible. Always.
Don’t accept the first offer. Don’t give a recorded statement. And never sign any documents WITHOUT speaking to an attorney first.
People who negotiated with insurance companies (with the help of an attorney) got settlements that were $30,700 higher on average. That’s a huge chunk of change.
Allow an experienced auto accident lawyer to deal with insurance companies on your behalf. They know the tactics. They know how to counterplay.
Step 5: Hire The Right Auto Accident Lawyer For You
Not all auto accident attorneys are created equal.
Hiring the right attorney can make or break your case. So look for these qualities when you consult with potential attorneys:
- Experience with auto accident cases
- Results they’ll be proud to show you
- Straightforward communication
- Contingency fee basis (no win, no fee)
Do your homework when it comes time to hiring an auto accident lawyer. A good lawyer will offer you a free consultation. Come prepared with questions. Ask about similar cases they’ve won. Inquire about realistic timelines. And get a clear idea of what they plan to do differently for your specific case.
What To Expect From Your Case
What actually happens after hiring an auto accident attorney?
For the majority of car accident victims, their case will never even see the inside of a courtroom. Approximately 95% of all car accident cases are settled out of court. That means your attorney’s job is to build you the strongest negotiating position possible.
Just how long does a case take?
Every case is different. Some are wrapped up in a matter of months. Others take well over a year. It all depends on the facts of the accident.
NHTSA estimates 39,345 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2024 — a number that underscores just how serious road accidents are across the country.
Depending on who you talk to, the process will seem either long or short. One thing is for certain. Having the right attorney will help ease your mind during what is already a stressful time.
The Verdict
No one wants to get into a car accident.
When it happens, take a deep breath. Follow the steps above. And work with an experienced auto accident lawyer who can guide you through the process.
You’ll have nothing to stress about. And your accident case will have the best chance of succeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I contact an auto accident lawyer?
Immediately. In some cases evidence can disappear quickly. Also each state has different statutes of limitations. It’s best to seek legal advice immediately after a crash.
What should I expect to pay an auto accident lawyer?
As mentioned above, most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. That means they don’t get paid unless you do. Be sure to discuss fee structures and what they charge upfront before hiring an attorney.
What if the person who hit me wasn’t insured?
Don’t worry. Your auto accident lawyer can still help you determine your best options. This will include looking at uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy.
