What you do immediately after an accident in Albuquerque can determine whether you get the compensation you deserve or end up struggling with bills and denied claims. Albuquerque’s roads can be unpredictable, and if someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you shouldn’t have to pay the price.
Your actions at the scene can affect your ability to get compensation. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable, but mistakes like saying the wrong thing or not gathering the right evidence can hurt your case.
That’s why many people turn to an Albuquerque accident attorney to help them navigate the process and make sure they don’t get taken advantage of by insurance companies.
5 Things to Do After a Car Accident to Protect Your Claim
Do these five things after a car accident to protect your claim:
1. Seek medical attention immediately
Right after a car accident, your body is in shock. Adrenaline is pumping, and you might not even feel any pain. But just because you don’t feel injured at the moment doesn’t mean you’re okay. You might wake up the next day with severe pain, dizziness, or difficulty moving. That’s why seeing a doctor as soon as possible is absolutely crucial.
2. Gather as much evidence as possible
Collecting evidence at the scene is one of the most important things you can do. The more proof you have, the stronger your claim will be. Take pictures of not just your car but the entire scene.
Capture the position of the vehicles, any skid marks, broken glass, street signs, traffic lights, and even the weather conditions. If you have visible injuries, document those, too. These little details can make or break a case because they help paint a clear picture of exactly what happened.
3. Contact an attorney right away
Many people think they can handle a car accident claim on their own, but insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose job is to minimize your payout. Without an attorney on your side, you could end up with far less compensation than you actually need to cover your expenses.
And no, hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re suing anyone; it just means you’re making sure you get the compensation that you’re meant to receive.
4. Report the accident to your insurance company
No matter who was at fault, you need to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require you to notify them right away, and if you wait too long, they might try to deny your claim. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, your insurance could still help cover certain costs, like medical bills and car repairs, depending on your policy.
5. Keep track of everything
The accident itself is just the beginning; what happens afterward is just as important. To strengthen your claim, keep detailed records of everything related to your accident and recovery.
Save all medical bills, receipts, and records of treatments. Keep a journal documenting your injuries, pain levels, and how they affect your daily life. If you miss work due to the accident, record lost wages and get documentation from your employer.
The more evidence you have, the harder it is for the insurance company to argue against your claim.