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What Can You Do After You Hit Your Head in a Car Accident?

Jan 22, 2025 | What To Do After An Accident

Car accidents often result in head injuries. What seems like a minor bump to the head can lead to serious medical concerns, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries. If you’ve hit your head in a car accident, especially one caused by another driver, it’s important to act quickly to safeguard your health and your ability to seek compensation. What can you do after you hit your head in a car accident to protect yourself? Taking the right steps immediately can make all the difference.

Addressing medical needs is just the start. Documenting the accident, managing interactions with insurance companies, and consulting an experienced car accident attorney can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you should know and do if you find yourself in this situation.

Immediate Steps After the Accident

After hitting your head in a car accident, taking prompt action can protect your health and strengthen any potential legal claims. The steps you take immediately after the crash can impact how your recovery unfolds, both medically and financially. Here’s what to focus on right away:

Document Everything at the Scene

Gather as much information as you can from the accident scene. Use your phone to take clear photos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, any visible injuries, and other relevant details like traffic signs or weather conditions. Capturing skid marks, vehicle positions, or road debris can provide valuable context for your case. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements could support your version of events later.

Avoid Saying “I’m Fine” or Apologizing

Your words after an accident matter. Even casual comments like “I’m fine” or “I’m sorry” can be twisted to minimize your injuries or assign blame to you. It’s better to stick to the facts when speaking with others, especially the other driver, witnesses, or law enforcement. Share necessary information without speculating about the cause of the accident or downplaying how you feel.

Report the Accident to the Police

If the police haven’t already arrived, call them to report the accident. A police report serves as an objective record of the incident, which can be crucial when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing compensation. Provide a clear and accurate account of what happened, but avoid making assumptions or guesses about details you’re unsure of.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Get the other driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details. Avoid discussing fault or specifics of the accident beyond what’s necessary. If the driver seems reluctant to cooperate, the police can help facilitate the exchange of information.

Check for Surveillance Cameras

Look around the area for surveillance cameras that might have captured the accident. Cameras on nearby businesses, traffic lights, or even residential doorbell systems can provide video evidence of what happened. Make a note of camera locations and let your attorney know about them later. This footage could be critical in proving your case. 

Taking these steps at the scene not only helps preserve evidence but also ensures you’ve done everything possible to protect your rights from the start.

Medical Considerations

Addressing your health is paramount after hitting your head. Even minor symptoms can signal more serious issues that might not appear right away.

Get Checked Out, Even If You Feel “Okay”

Adrenaline can mask pain immediately after an accident. A medical professional can identify injuries you might not notice, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. Prompt treatment also ties your injuries to the accident, supporting your claim.

Watch for Symptoms That Appear Later

Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, don’t show symptoms immediately. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or memory problems in the days following the accident could indicate serious conditions. Don’t dismiss these warning signs.

Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Skipping recommended treatments or follow-ups can worsen your condition and weaken your case. Sticking to your doctor’s plan demonstrates your commitment to recovery and helps validate the severity of your injuries.

Keep Medical Records and Receipts

Save copies of every medical bill, prescription, and doctor’s note. These documents establish the financial impact of your injuries and help quantify damages in your claim.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

How you handle interactions with insurance companies and the at-fault driver can significantly affect your ability to secure compensation. Insurance companies and opposing parties may attempt to reduce or deny your compensation. By staying vigilant and organized, you can help your attorney build a stronger claim. Here’s how to protect your interests:

Avoid Signing Anything from Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may pressure you to sign documents soon after the accident. These documents could include waivers or settlements that limit your ability to pursue full compensation. Signing too quickly might leave you with inadequate funds to cover future medical care or other losses. Always consult with an attorney before agreeing to anything.

Refuse Recorded Statements

An insurance company might ask you for a recorded statement about the accident. Politely decline this request. These recordings can be used against you to question the severity of your injuries or the accuracy of your account. If a statement is necessary, let your attorney guide you through the process to ensure your rights are protected.

Reject Low Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often present an initial settlement offer that seems appealing but falls short of covering all your expenses. These offers might not account for ongoing medical care, future earnings, or the true impact of the accident on your life. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Consult your attorney to evaluate any offer and push for fair compensation.

Document Symptoms and Expenses

Track every detail related to your injuries and recovery. Keep records of medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and any out-of-pocket costs. Include receipts, invoices, and bills as proof of your expenses. Don’t forget to note non-financial impacts, such as changes in your physical abilities or emotional well-being.

Keep a Daily Journal

Maintaining a journal can help you track how the accident affects your daily life. Record your symptoms, pain levels, emotional state, and any limitations you experience. For example, note if you struggle to focus at work, can’t participate in hobbies, or have trouble sleeping. This diary can serve as evidence when negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court.

By taking these steps, you’ll have a detailed and well-documented account of the accident’s impact. This strengthens your position when seeking fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Building Your Case

A strong case increases your chances of recovering fair compensation. Focus on compiling evidence and understanding what damages you can claim.

Types of Compensation

An attorney can help you pursue compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers both current bills and anticipated future costs.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Includes time missed from work and reduced ability to earn in the future. 
  • Pain and Suffering: Addresses the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
  • Property Damage: Pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal items.

Gathering Evidence

Beyond photos and police reports, your attorney may use medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements to build your case. Comprehensive evidence helps establish liability and damages.

Statute of Limitations

Every state sets deadlines for filing personal injury claims. For instance, you have three years in Colorado to file an injury claim resulting from a motor vehicle accident. If your claim is against a government entity, you have far less time and must navigate additional legal complexities. Missing any legal deadline can bar you from recovering compensation, so act quickly.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Reaching out to an attorney soon after the accident can help you avoid mistakes and protect your interests.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, preserving your rights while you focus on healing. They can also ensure evidence is preserved before it’s lost or destroyed.

What to Look for in an Attorney

Choose someone with a proven track record in handling car accident claims. Ask about their experience with similar cases and their approach to securing compensation.

What to Bring to Your First Consultation

Bring all accident-related documents, including medical records, police reports, photos, and correspondence with insurers. A thorough overview helps the attorney assess your case.

How Contingency Fees Work

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if you recover compensation. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

After a car accident that results in a head injury, interactions with insurance companies can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. Insurance adjusters may attempt to protect their company’s interests at your expense, so understanding how to approach these conversations can help you protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Your Rights When Dealing with Adjusters

You have the right to fair treatment and to decline certain requests from insurance adjusters. You aren’t obligated to give a recorded statement or accept their first settlement offer. Adjusters might present themselves as friendly and helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts. Staying aware of your rights ensures you don’t inadvertently weaken your claim.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies may use several strategies to undervalue or deny your claim. They might argue that your injuries were preexisting, downplay their severity, or claim that the accident was partially your fault. Delays in processing your claim or lowball offers designed to tempt you into settling quickly are also common. Recognizing these tactics can help you respond effectively.

How to Handle Communication

When speaking with insurance representatives, remain calm and stick to the facts. Avoid making speculative or emotional statements. Provide only the basic details of the accident, such as when and where it occurred. If adjusters push for additional information, politely decline and let them know that your attorney will handle further communication.

What Information to Share

While it’s important to cooperate to some extent, limit the information you share with insurance adjusters. Give them your contact information, the date and location of the accident, and your attorney’s contact details if you’ve retained one. Avoid discussing your injuries in detail or making definitive statements about your recovery. Let your medical records speak for themselves.

Dealing with insurance companies requires vigilance and careful communication. Taking these precautions and working with an attorney to handle insurance communications helps you maintain control over your case and ensures the best possible chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Long-Term Considerations

Accidents often have ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate aftermath. Consider these factors when seeking compensation.

Future Medical Needs

Some injuries require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or surgery. Include these anticipated costs in your claim.

Long-Term Effects on Work

Permanent injuries or disabilities can reduce your earning potential or force career changes. Compensation should address these losses.

Impact on Quality of Life

Injuries that limit mobility, independence, or enjoyment of life deserve consideration in settlement discussions.

Including Future Expenses in Settlements

Work with your attorney to estimate the full scope of your needs, ensuring the settlement reflects both current and future costs.

Settlement vs. Litigation

Most car accident cases resolve through settlements, but some proceed to court. Weigh the options carefully.

Pros and Cons of Settling

Settlements offer quicker resolutions and reduce legal fees, but they may involve compromises. Litigation can secure higher compensation but takes more time and carries risks.

What to Expect If Your Case Goes to Court

Court cases require thorough preparation, including depositions, expert testimony, and hearings. Your attorney will guide you through every step.

Timeline Considerations

Settlements often resolve in months, while litigation can take years. Your attorney can help manage expectations and determine the best path forward.

Factors Influencing Settlement Value

The severity of your injuries, liability evidence, and the willingness of the insurer to negotiate all play roles in determining settlement amounts.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Now

denver car accident lawyerFranklin D. Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers have extensive experience helping injured clients secure compensation after serious accidents. Our compassionate approach and thorough case preparation set us apart. 

If you’ve hit your head in a car accident caused by someone else, don’t wait to take action. Contact Franklin D. Azar today for a free consultation. You’ll receive clear guidance on your options and the support you need to move forward with confidence.