Hit by a Car? Here’s What Top Lawyers Want You to Do

Table of Contents

If you’ve just been hit by a car, you may be in shock, scared, and unsure of your next steps. Your mind is racing: “Am I okay? Should I call someone? What about my insurance?” It’s completely understandable — accidents are overwhelming. But what you do in the moments and days after the incident can have a major impact on your health, finances, and legal rights.

At HoulonBerman.com, we’ve helped countless accident victims recover compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable. We’ve compiled this guide to walk you through what to do after a car accident — with expert insight from experienced personal injury attorneys. If you’re looking for the best legal advice on how to protect your rights after being hit by a car, read on carefully.

1. Get to Safety Immediately — But Don’t Leave the Scene

Your first priority is safety. If you’re in immediate danger (e.g., lying in the middle of the road), try to move to the side as long as it doesn’t worsen your injuries. However, do not leave the scene of the accident, especially if anyone is injured or property has been damaged. Leaving the scene can result in legal trouble.

Tip from top lawyers: Always remain at the scene until authorities arrive, even if you feel okay. Injuries and adrenaline can cloud judgment.

2. Call 911 and Request Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, call 911 right away. Let the operator know you’ve been hit by a car and request both police and emergency medical services. A police report is critical for documenting the crash and will be essential if you pursue a legal claim later.

Why this matters legally:

The police report becomes an official record of the accident.
Paramedics can document injuries, which helps prove damages in court.

3. Gather Information While You Wait

If you are physically able, gather the following information while you wait for emergency responders:

Driver’s name, phone number, address
Driver’s license number and plate
Insurance company and policy number
Make and model of the vehicle
Names and contact info of any witnesses

Also, take photos of:

The vehicle that hit you
Your injuries
The scene (crosswalks, traffic lights, skid marks, etc.)
Weather and lighting conditions

Legal tip: Take photos from multiple angles — they can help your car accident lawyer build a compelling case.

4. Do NOT Admit Fault or Minimize Injuries

It’s natural to feel emotional after an accident. You might be tempted to say “I’m okay” or even apologize, especially if the driver says, “I didn’t see you.” But avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault.

Lawyers warn: Insurance adjusters can twist your words. Even saying “I’m fine” could later be used against you to reduce or deny your claim.

5. Get Immediate Medical Attention — Even if You Feel Fine

Sometimes injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage don’t show up right away. That’s why you must see a doctor as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours.

Medical documentation = legal evidence.
If you delay treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.

6. Call a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Speak to Any Insurance Company

Here’s where it gets critical. One of the most important answers to “What to do after a car accident lawyer” is this:

Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer BEFORE you talk to insurance adjusters.

Insurance companies are not on your side — even your own. Their goal is to settle fast and for as little as possible. A skilled attorney will:

Advise you of your rights
Handle all communication with insurers
Help you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering

At Houlon Berman, we offer free consultations, and you don’t pay unless we win. So there’s no reason not to get professional legal help.

7. Keep Records of Everything

Start a folder with every piece of documentation related to the accident. This includes:

Medical bills and diagnosis reports
Prescription receipts
Photos of injuries over time
Missed work records
Police report
Witness statements

The more documentation you have, the stronger your personal injury case will be.

8. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

If your doctor recommends follow-up visits, physical therapy, or rest, follow the advice exactly. Skipping appointments or returning to work too soon can hurt your health and your legal claim.

Tip from top personal injury lawyers: Insurance companies look for signs that you’re exaggerating or faking injuries. Following your doctor’s instructions shows you’re taking your recovery seriously.

9. Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media

This is a big one. Even innocent-looking posts can damage your case. Imagine you post a selfie at a barbecue a week after the accident — an insurance company could argue that you’re not truly injured.

Lawyers strongly advise: Stay off social media or make your profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, your injuries, or legal proceedings.

10. Talk to a Lawyer at Houlon Berman Today

Navigating the aftermath of being hit by a car is overwhelming — physically, emotionally, and financially. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team at Houlon Berman has decades of experience fighting for accident victims across Maryland and Washington D.C.

We know exactly what to do after a car accident, and we’ll:

Investigate your case thoroughly
Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
Fight for maximum compensation in court, if necessary

You’ve already been through enough. Let us take it from here.

Final Thoughts: What to Do After a Car Accident Lawyer

To sum it up, if you’ve been hit by a car, the most critical steps are:

Ensure safety and call 911
Collect evidence and witness info
Seek immediate medical attention
Contact a trusted personal injury lawyer
Avoid speaking to insurers or posting online without legal guidance

Remember: Time is of the essence. In many states, including Maryland, there’s a limited time to file a personal injury claim after an accident. Don’t risk losing your rights — contact Houlon Berman today for a free consultation and start your path to recovery.

Read More about Car Accident Lawyer :