james-logo

The First 48: What to Do in the Aftermath of an Accident

Being involved in a serious accident can be an incredibly scary experience, and for many Albertans, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a collision can be just as daunting. When life throws you a curveball, and you find your health and wellness in balance, knowing what to do is vital for your protection. At James H. Brown, we know just how devastating it can be to suffer a personal injury as the result of an accident. Below, we’ll cover some of the most important things to remember in the first 48 hrs after an accident. If you or someone you love have recently been injured, read on to learn what you need to do next!

Immediately After an Accident

The first few moments after an accident are often filled with shock and confusion as everyone tries to regroup and recount what happened. Remember that feeling overwhelmed or shaken up is perfectly normal. Being involved in an accident or collision is an emotional experience, and regardless of who is at fault (more on that in a moment), the most important thing to focus on is making sure everyone is okay. Exchange information as needed, never admit fault and proceed to the next course of action.

Get Medical Help

Once everyone has relocated to a safe location, immediately call 911 if anyone has obvious injuries. During this time of extreme stress, it is highly likely that you will be in shock and may not be aware of the extent of how hurt you are due to adrenaline; this means that it is absolutely vital to see a doctor as soon as possible. After exchanging any necessary information on scene, seek medical attention immediately. Doing so will not only give you peace of mind, but will help protect you when it matters most, including if you find yourself needing to make a personal injury claim in the near future.

Document, Document, Document!

The injuries caused by collisions aren’t always black and white, and many of them including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Whiplash , and Spinal Cord Injuries can take days, or even weeks to appear. Make sure you document every doctor’s visit, and make sure you have as much detail as possible for both insurance and legal purposes. It may seem cumbersome at first (which is more than understandable given the circumstances), but keeping a dedicated record of everything is one of the best ways to protect yourself after an accident.

Give Yourself Time to Recover

Personal injuries can be a devastating experience, and where possible, it’s important to give yourself a chance to decompress and recover. If you’re able to, consider taking a few days off work (document this, as lost wages or work difficulties may be considered should you pursue legal compensation), having friends or family members support you when it comes to running errands, and taking the time you need to feel safe again. Everyone’s recovery journey looks different, so it’s important to take the advice of medical professionals, as well as listen to your body as you try to regain a sense of normalcy.

Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer


Finally, if you’ve been injured in an accident, one of your top priorities needs to be to contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible. Working with a qualified legal team makes it easier to get the help you need, as well as overcome the challenges of navigating the healthcare system when it matters most.

Not sure if you need an injury lawyer? Try our Accident Injury Lawyer Quiz to see if chatting with a professional is the right step for you!

Help You Can Trust: James H Brown and Associates

With over 250 years of combined experience, James H. Brown and Associates understands that no two accidents are the same, and that dealing with personal injuries can be a life-altering experience. That’s why we provide a comprehensive range of services and support for our clients and their families, including:

  • An award-winning team of injury lawyers with an unrivalled record of success.
  • Accident investigation and evidence preservation, including accident reconstruction.
  • Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
  • And much more!

Unlike many of the other large law firms in Alberta, James H. Brown and Associates’ injury lawyers are ready to speak with you right away. No call centres, no intake teams, just the expert legal advice you and your family need.

Contact us today to speak with a lawyer and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with James H. Brown and Associates.

related post