What to Do After an Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

July 28, 2025

Accidents can happen suddenly and without warning, leaving you disoriented, stressed, and unsure of what to do next. Whether you’ve been involved in a car crash, experienced a slip and fall, or encountered any other type of accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial.

To help you navigate the aftermath, we’ve compiled a clear and concise step-by-step guide outlining what to do after an accident. By following these steps, you’ll not only protect your well-being but also safeguard your potential legal claim.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention:

After an accident, the first and most important step is to ensure your health and safety. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal damage, may not present symptoms immediately but can become serious if left untreated.

Call 911: If the accident involves serious injuries, or if you’re in any doubt about your condition, call emergency services right away. Paramedics can assess the situation and provide necessary treatment on the spot.
Visit a doctor: Even if you feel fine or have minor injuries, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible after the accident. Not only does this protect your health, but it also provides a medical record of your injuries, which can be valuable in any potential legal claim. Delaying treatment could be used against you by insurance companies, who may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.

2. Gather Evidence at the Scene:

If you’re physically able to do so, collecting evidence at the accident scene is vital. The more documentation you can gather, the stronger your case will be when it comes to proving liability and recovering compensation. Keep in mind that evidence can disappear quickly—damaged property can be repaired, and accident scenes can be cleaned up—so it’s important to act fast.

Take photos and videos: Use your phone to document the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture images of any property damage, skid marks, road conditions, lighting, and weather conditions, as well as any visible injuries you sustained. In a slip and fall accident, for example, take photos of the hazard that caused the fall, such as a wet floor or uneven pavement.

Exchange information: If other people were involved in the accident, such as other drivers in a car accident, be sure to exchange contact details, including their name, phone number, driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle registration. For a slip and fall, get the property owner's or manager’s contact information.

Get witness statements: If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information and, if possible, a brief statement of what they saw. Witnesses can provide valuable, unbiased accounts of the events.

3. Report the Accident:

Reporting the accident to the appropriate authorities is crucial. In many cases, an official report can serve as an important piece of evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a legal case.

File a police report: For car accidents, contact the police immediately, even if the accident seems minor. A police report provides an impartial record of the incident, which can be critical for determining fault and establishing liability. Be sure to ask for a copy of the report for your records.
Notify your insurance company: If you’re involved in a car accident, you’ll need to inform your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the details of the accident and be honest about what happened, but avoid making any assumptions or admitting fault.
Report workplace accidents: If your accident occurred at work, notify your supervisor or HR department and file an official report. Promptly reporting the accident can be essential for workers’ compensation claims.

4. Avoid Admitting Fault:

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it’s natural to feel shaken or emotional, but it’s important to be mindful of what you say. Even casual statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” could be used by the opposing party or insurance companies to suggest that you’re admitting fault.

Stick to the facts: When speaking with police officers, insurance adjusters, or others involved in the accident, provide factual details about what occurred, but avoid speculating about who is responsible. Let the investigation determine fault.

5. Keep Detailed Records of All Accident-Related Expenses:

Accidents can lead to a range of expenses, from medical bills to vehicle repairs to lost wages due to time off work. Keeping track of all related costs is crucial for ensuring you are fully compensated.

Medical expenses: Keep all receipts and records of doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other medical treatments.
Property damage: Document any repair costs for damaged vehicles or personal property, and keep receipts for any replacement items.
Lost wages: If you miss work due to your injuries, keep documentation of your time off and the corresponding loss of income.

6. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney:

Navigating the legal aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim. Contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that your rights are protected.

Need Legal Help After an Accident? Contact Us Today!

If you’ve been involved in an accident and need legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Floyd Personal Injury Law Group, PLLC for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

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Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group

By jeff • December 24, 2025

What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.