The First 72 Hours After an Accident
If you've been in an accident, the first 72 hours are critical for protecting your rights, health, and financial well-being. While it can be overwhelming to deal with the immediate aftermath, there are important steps you should take within this time frame.
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner can make all the difference when it comes to making the right decisions and setting the foundation for a successful case. Contact us at the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer to learn how our attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Immediate Medical Attention Is a Priority in the First 72 Hours
One of the first things you should do after an accident is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Many injuries, especially those involving soft tissue or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms. Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding are common injuries that could worsen if not addressed right away.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 2.5 million people are injured in car accidents annually in the United States, and not seeking prompt medical attention can lead to complications later on.
The first 72 hours after an accident are when your body might begin to feel the full effects of the trauma, so getting checked by a healthcare professional is essential for your health and for documenting injuries.
Why Documentation Matters
Medical documentation from the first 72 hours is very important in a personal injury case. Insurance companies and defense lawyers often argue that injuries reported later may not be connected to the accident, making it harder to claim compensation.
Having proof that you sought immediate medical care links your injuries to the incident, strengthening your case.
Preserving Evidence in the First 72 Hours
Preserving evidence is another reason why the first 72 hours are critical after an accident. The sooner you gather and document evidence, the better your chances of building a strong case.
What Kind of Evidence Should You Gather?
Here are some types of evidence you should prioritize in the first 72 hours after an accident:
Photographs: Take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and your injuries. This visual evidence can be key to showing how the accident happened and the extent of the damage.
Police Reports: If law enforcement was called to the scene, obtain a copy of the police report. This official document provides an unbiased account of the incident and will be valuable later.
Witness Information: Get the contact information of any witnesses. Their statements can help back up your version of events.
Accident Details: Write down your own account of the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. The more detailed and immediate your recollection, the better it will serve you later in the claims process.
Report the Accident
It’s essential to report the accident to your insurance company within the first 72 hours, even if you believe the other party was at fault. Many insurance policies require timely reporting, and failing to do so could result in your claim being denied. Additionally, the sooner you report the accident, the sooner the claims process can begin.
Speak With a Lawyer Before Talking to Insurance
Before you give a recorded statement to the insurance company, it’s smart to consult a personal injury lawyer from our team. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly, offering far less than what you might be entitled to. In the first 72 hours, we can help you avoid making statements that could hurt your case later on. We can even handle communications with the insurer on your behalf.
How an Approachable Lawyer Can Make a Difference
The decisions made in the first 72 hours after an accident can have long-lasting implications on your case. Without proper legal guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that could hurt your chances of receiving full compensation. A personal injury lawyer from our team can immediately step in to protect your rights, helping you understand the process and making sure that you don’t inadvertently undermine your case.
When you turn to The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer, you’ll have access to an approachable lawyer who understands the Metairie community and surrounding areas like Chalmette, Jefferson Parish, and New Orleans, meaning you'll have someone who is familiar with local courts and insurance companies. This local knowledge can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
A lawyer from our approachable, friendly team will be there to answer your questions and explain the legal process in a way that’s easy to understand. This personal approach can help relieve some of the stress you’re likely feeling in the first 72 hours after an accident. We take pride in our professional, yet conversational approach to each case, keeping our clients comfortable and confident.
Financial Protection Starts in the First 72 Hours
Financial concerns often come up immediately after an accident. You may be facing medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages. During the first 72 hours, our team of lawyers can help you determine the best course of action to protect your financial interests.
Understanding Damages
There are two main types of damages you may be entitled to in a personal injury case:
Economic Damages: These are the tangible financial losses you’ve incurred, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages: These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
We can help calculate the full extent of your damages during this important time window, making sure that you don’t settle for less than you’re owed.
Statute of Limitations
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is one year from the date of the accident. While this may seem like a long time, the first 72 hours are crucial for laying the groundwork for your case. Missing important steps early on, such as collecting evidence or getting medical attention, can hurt your ability to file a strong claim later. Time is of the essence in a personal injury case.
Emotional Impact of the First 72 Hours
The emotional toll of an accident often sets in during the first 72 hours. You might feel overwhelmed by the shock of the event, the pain from injuries, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. While these emotions are normal, they can cloud your judgment and lead to decisions that hurt your case.
An experienced personal injury lawyer from our team can take the burden off your shoulders by handling the legal aspects of your case. With our help, you can focus on recovering from your injuries, knowing that your case is in good hands.
Turn to the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer
The first 72 hours after an accident are a pivotal time for protecting your health, legal rights, and financial future. From seeking immediate medical attention to preserving evidence, every action you take, or don’t take, can impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. That’s where our team comes in.
Having an experienced, approachable lawyer can make a real difference in how your case progresses. With an attorney from the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer by your side, you can make the most of the first 72 hours and put yourself in the best possible position to recover the compensation you deserve.
Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients in Metairie, Louisiana and the surrounding areas of New Orleans, Chalmette, Jefferson Parish, and St. Tammany Parish.