Car accidents can happen in an instant, leaving victims shocked, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps after an accident is crucial for both your health and your potential personal injury claim. 

Whether you’re in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, or Arizona, Craig Swapp & Associates strongly expresses that understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential. This guide will walk you through what to do after a car accident if you’re hurt, common injuries, legal time limits for filing claims, and the importance of hiring experienced car accident lawyers.

Immediate Steps to Do if You Are Injured

1. Move to a Safer Spot if Possible

If your injuries allow and it’s safe to do so, move yourself and your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further harm. Staying in a dangerous position on a busy road can lead to additional accidents. If you cannot move, turn on your hazard lights to signal distress and remain as visible as possible.

2. Call 911

Immediately call 911 to report the accident. Emergency responders can provide medical assistance, and law enforcement will create an official accident report. This report will be vital when pursuing a claim with car accident lawyers. Even if the accident seems minor, involving authorities ensures proper documentation, which can be crucial later.

3. Accept Medical Assistance

Even if your injuries seem minor, allow paramedics to evaluate you. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Seeking immediate medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which can support your claim later.

4. Exchange Information

Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with all parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact details as well. If the other driver refuses to cooperate, wait for law enforcement to arrive to handle the exchange.

5. Gather Evidence

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. Capture multiple angles and details, including license plates, street signs, traffic signals, and weather conditions. Visual evidence can be crucial when working with injury lawyers to build a strong case.

6. Cooperate with Law Enforcement

When officers arrive, provide accurate and honest information about what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating or assigning blame. Request a copy of the police report and make note of the officer’s badge number and name.

7. Stay Mindful of Your Statements

Be careful about what you say at the scene. Avoid admitting fault or making statements like “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad,” as these could be used against you during a claim. Even casual remarks can be interpreted as an admission of liability.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. 

Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
  • Soft tissue injuries

Even seemingly minor injuries can have long-term consequences, making it important to seek immediate medical care and consult injury lawyers to understand your legal options.

Seek Medical Assistance Even for Minor Injuries

After a car accident, some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, making it easy to overlook what could be serious conditions. 

Injuries like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding often don’t present symptoms until hours or even days later. Seeking prompt medical attention ensures that hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated early, preventing complications and supporting a smoother recovery process.

From a legal perspective, medical records play a critical role in personal injury claims, like car accidents. If you delay or skip medical treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident. By seeking immediate care, you create a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which can strengthen your case when working with injury lawyers.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

Each state has specific time limitation laws governing how long after a car accident you can claim injury. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation. 

Below are varying statutes of limitations for car accident claims in some states:

  • Utah: In Utah, you generally have 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
  • Idaho: Idaho law allows 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
  • Washington: In Washington, the statute of limitations is 3 years for personal injury claims arising from car accidents.
  • Oregon: Oregon provides 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim for personal injuries.
  • Wyoming: Wyoming law sets a 4-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a car accident.

Understanding these time limits is crucial, as failing to act within the specified period can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

Hiring an Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident

Navigating the legal process after a car collision can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. 

Accident lawyers play a critical role in:

  • Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
  • Communicating with insurance companies
  • Calculating fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
  • Representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached

Working with skilled accident lawyers can significantly increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle insurance companies and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, or Arizona, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Trust our injury lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates who can fight for your best interests and help you focus on your recovery. Call us at 800-404-9000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.