Attorneys Answer: What Steps Should You Take After An Accident?
Last updated on May 8, 2025
The cardinal rule of motor vehicle accidents is: talk with someone immediately and learn how to protect your claim. At Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates in Portage and Valparaiso, we are ready, willing and certainly able to help after a traumatic event or motor vehicle accident in Northwest Indiana and Chicago.
Why Immediate Action Matters After A Crash
Every driver should know what they can do to protect their claim for compensation. Below are five simple steps to take after an auto accident or any personal injury situation.
- Call the police: Getting a patrol officer on the scene has several benefits such as ensuring you have an official record of the collision, facilitating the exchange of information between drivers and protecting evidence. Don’t forget to ask for the officer’s badge number and precinct so you can easily obtain a copy of the police report.
- Talk to witnesses: Police are not insurance adjusters or lawyers. They often leave important details out of their report or don’t ask witnesses probing questions about the who, what, when, where, why and how. Make sure you obtain the contact information of any potential witnesses.
- Take photographs: Take as many pictures as possible of the cars, the intersection, the injuries, the surrounding traffic and the weather.
- Get medical treatment: Don’t let anything get in the way of your medical care. Maybe you can’t get time off work, are worried about health insurance coverage or do not think your injuries are serious. Delaying, skipping or only getting intermittent treatment could damage your health and your case.
- Don’t talk to the insurance company: Your natural instinct may be to call the insurance company immediately after you are injured in a car accident. Don’t speak to them without an attorney and never make a written or recorded statement. “Everything you say can and will be used against you” isn’t just a warning for criminal court.
Taking these steps can make a major difference in both your recovery and your ability to file a strong legal claim.
How A Lawyer Can Help After An Accident
After a crash, you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income and insurance stress. A personal injury attorney can handle all of that for you. From day one, we can:
- Investigate the crash scene and preserve key evidence
- Work with experts and medical professionals to document your injuries
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to – whether in negotiations or court
Having the right lawyer in your corner means you don’t have to deal with this process alone or risk settling for less than you deserve.
Get Our Lawyers Involved Immediately And For Free
When you’ve been hurt, talk to someone who knows how to fight for you. At Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates, we serve clients across Northwest Indiana from our offices in Valparaiso and Portage. We will begin working on your case immediately.
Call us at 219-265-6061 or send us an email to schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney. We accommodate your needs with home, hospital and after-hours visits by appointment.