What to Do Following a Car Accident with Injuries

A car accident is always a stressful situation, but when there are injuries on top of the accident, things can become very serious, very quickly. 

Victims of a car accident may require immediate medical treatment. They might have long-term health consequences, and there may be added financial stress. Knowing what to do in this moment is crucial for protecting the health of the victim and also for securing legal rights. 

Prioritize Safety and Call 911 Following a Car Accident

The first thing you should do following a car accident with an injury is to get to the side of the road if possible, or even a nearby shoulder. All vehicles should have their hazard lights on to warn any oncoming drivers. 

As soon as possible, call 911 to report the accident. Emergency responders will get there as soon as possible, and 911 operators will give directions on how to help injured people at the scene of the accident. They will also call the police and get them to the scene where the accident happened, too. This is not optional in Iowa. By law, if you are involved in an accident and there are injuries, emergency assistance is required. 

Assess Injuries and Provide Assistance

While waiting, victims should assess themselves and others for any other injuries. If there are life-threatening injuries, like severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, head trauma, broken bones, etc, immediate attention is required. If possible, injured people should never be moved. Wait for emergency services. 

Also, keep in mind that those involved in the accident may not present injuries at first. Some injuries related to the accident may not show up until hours or days later. Also, it's important to remember that symptoms like headaches, stiffness, or dizziness shouldn't be ignored. They could be signs of concussions or other internal injuries. For more information, the best accident lawyer in Des Moines may be able to help.

Cooperate with Law Enforcement When Involved in an Accident

When police arrive, they will secure the scene, help with injuries, and start gathering information about the collision scene. This information will be important in a police report, and it will serve as evidence in injury cases. It will include information about each motorist, about the vehicles involved, road conditions, and fault determination. 

Victims at the scene should tell police what they remember about the accident, but they should also avoid saying whether they are at fault or not. Admitting fault, or even saying something like "I'm sorry," can cause issues later on when the insurance company has to pay out damages. They can say that saying "I'm sorry" could be an admission of partial fault. 

Gather Evidence at the Scene 

Police on the scene will collect information on the scene, but it's also recommended that victims gather their own evidence. Take photos and videos of property damage to the vehicles, injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and weather conditions.

If there were witnesses to the accident, getting witness information is also important, and they can help to offer unbiased third-party information about what happened. 

If possible, you should also exchange contact information with the other driver(s), including insurance company and policy number, license plate number, phone number, and other information. This may also be on the police report, too. 

An insurance adjuster or appraiser may also gather evidence and do an appraisal of vehicle damage.

Having this information can help to strengthen any type of injury claim made with the at-fault driver's car insurance company. Most times, the claims process is filled with pauses, accusations against the victim, or low-ball offers, but having evidence helps to stop that. 

Seek Immediate Medical Care, Even in a Small Fender Bender

Following the accident, even if they feel fine, victims should see a medical professional for a full medical check. Adrenaline often masks pain, and some injuries, as mentioned, may not appear on the day of the accident. However, a doctor may see signs of concussions, internal injuries, or whiplash earlier. 

It's also important to have these medical records when you file a car insurance claim. Medical records will connect the injuries to the accident. Many times, when people get into a car accident, the insurance company will try to claim the injuries were caused by something else. Also, it's important to follow up with the doctor's orders. If, for instance, a doctor says to go to physical therapy, and you don't go, the at-fault driver's insurance company will say you weren't injured as severely as you claim. 

File a Claim With Your Auto Insurance Company

You should also notify your insurance company to report the injury. This is especially the case if you don't have access to the at-fault driver's insurance information, if they are uninsured, or underinsured. You may be insured with an uninsured motorist policy that will cover bodily injury if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance.

Again, even if you are talking to your own insurance company after being involved in a car accident, your insurer may not have your best interest in mind. So, stick to the facts of the accident and don't speculate on fault in the accident.

Keep Records of Expenses and Losses as Part of Your Post- Accident Checklist

Injury-related accidents often result in huge costs in addition to vehicle repairs. Victims should keep records of all accident-related expenses, which include: 

• Emergency room visits and hospital bills

• Doctor appointments and specialist care

• Prescription medications and medical devices

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Rental car costs

• Lost wages from time off work

• Transportation costs to and from medical appointments

You should also take note of the extent of your injuries and document information like pain, limitations, and emotional struggles. This can support claims for pain and suffering in addition to the actual cash value of treatment.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Following an accident, victims may unintentionally harm their claims by making avoidable mistakes. Some of the most common include:

• Failing to seek immediate medical treatment

• Leaving the scene

• Failing to file a report

• Posting about the accident or injuries on social media

• Accepting a quick settlement without legal advice

• Missing medical appointments or ignoring treatment recommendations

By avoiding these errors, victims protect their right to fair compensation for injuries caused as a result of the accident. 

Understand Iowa Laws for Injury Accidents

Car accidents with injuries in Iowa are subject to state laws that determine liability and compensation. Iowa follows a comparative fault system, meaning that compensation may be reduced if the injured party is found partially at fault. Understanding how these rules apply can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim. 

Additionally, Iowa has statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing these deadlines can prevent victims from recovering damages entirely. Tom Fowler Law can also advise on what to do after a car accident with an uninsured driver.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney in Des Moines

Injury accidents are rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often dispute liability, minimize injuries, or pressure victims into low settlements. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney provides victims with the guidance and advocacy they need for what to do after a minor car accident.

An attorney can:

• Review police reports, medical records, and evidence

• Handle communication with insurance companies

• Calculate the full value of damages, including long-term care and future lost earnings

• Negotiate for a fair settlement

• File a lawsuit if necessary to protect the victim’s rights

Working with a local attorney ensures that victims receive representation tailored to Iowa laws and the Des Moines court system. Tom Fowler Law offers this local expertise and a commitment to protecting accident victims in their time of need. Free consultations are available.