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While car accidents are an unfortunate and all-too-common reality of the road, it's difficult to be fully prepared for that moment when disaster strikes. Even a minor wreck can derail your life in the blink of an eye, forcing you to put your plans on hold as you tackle the additional admin, inevitable challenges, and hard work of healing that almost always follows a collision. 

You will also need to start thinking about your personal injury claim which can be a daunting prospect when you already have so much on your plate. However, taking the wrong actions in the aftermath of an accident could have dire consequences for the success of your case—so it's important to think carefully about your next steps. 

In this article, we share a few tips that might help you avoid disputes, delays, and other complications as you prepare to file your claim: 

Gather Evidence at the Scene 

When you hire a personal injury lawyer to oversee your case, they will usually investigate the wreck, taking steps to gather any evidence that might be necessary to demonstrate liability and damages. However, as much of this proof can be time-sensitive, it's almost always a wise decision to start gathering evidence immediately after the collision. 

For instance, taking pictures of the wreckage, your injuries, and other aspects of the scene such as road markings could help your lawyer or an accident reconstructionist piece together the events of that fateful day. Alternatively, taking down the names and contact details of eyewitnesses will make it easier for your attorney to track them down for interviews down the line. 

Other types of evidence that might be useful to your case can include: 

• Dashcam videos, 
• Surveillance camera footage, 
• Personal possessions such as the clothes you were wearing in the accident, 
• Official accident reports, and
• Videos of the accident scene. 

Get a Prompt Diagnosis 

After an accident, visiting a doctor should be your number one priority. Not only will scheduling a medical assessment ensure you receive treatment for your injuries, but taking this crucial step could also help mitigate disputes when it comes time to file your claim.  

If, for instance, you failed to seek treatment within a reasonable timeframe, you might give opposing parties room to assert that you suffered your injuries in a different incident, or that your condition can't be as serious as you are claiming as you didn't require immediate medical attention. 

Lay Low on Social Media 

While it's tempting to share the details of this harrowing experience with family and friends online— especially if they're bombarding you with questions and concerns—doing so could hurt the outcome of your case. It's no secret that claims adjusters now routinely monitor claimants' social media feeds searching for any evidence that could be used to minimize or deny payouts. In most cases, it's best to deactivate your social media profiles for the duration of proceedings. 

Schedule a Free Case Review with a California Car Accident Attorney 

Were you left seriously hurt after a car wreck caused by a negligent or reckless driver? Making sure that you take the right steps in the aftermath of this traumatic event can ensure that your fight for a fair settlement starts off on a strong foot. 

At HPIL, we can help guide you through the days ahead, advising you of the actions you should be taking at every stage of proceedings. We also provide aggressive representation, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to help our clients achieve favorable outcomes. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or drop us a message using our contact page HERE to request a free consultation with a California car accident attorney.