Editor's note: This post was originally published on February 17, 2022, and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.
Being struck by a vehicle is a serious and often life-altering event. In the immediate aftermath, everything can feel like a blur. You may be dealing with physical pain, shock, and a rush of unanswered questions about what comes next.
Those first hours and days after a crash are critical. The choices you make during that time can affect your physical recovery, financial stability, and ability to protect your legal rights.
What Is the First Thing to Do After Being Hit by a Vehicle?
The first thing you should do is get medical attention, even if you feel “okay.”
If your injuries appear serious, call 911 or accept emergency care at the scene. If symptoms feel minor, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries, including concussions and internal trauma, are delayed and may not show symptoms right away.
Seeking immediate medical care:
- Protects your health
- Creates documentation linking your injuries to the crash
- Prevents insurance companies from arguing your injuries are unrelated
Waiting can put both your recovery and your claim at risk.
What Injuries Are Common After Being Hit by a Car?
The force of a vehicle impact can cause serious and long-term injuries, including:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries that worsen over time
These injuries often require extended medical treatment, physical therapy, or surgery. In severe cases, they can limit your ability to work or perform daily activities for months or longer.
How Being Hit by a Vehicle Can Impact Your Ability to Work
Being hit by a vehicle often leads to lost wages and financial strain during recovery.
Time away from work can mean:
- Missed paychecks
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Mounting medical and household bills
Unfortunately, bills do not pause while you heal. For many accident victims, the financial impact becomes just as stressful as the physical recovery.
Can You Get Compensation After Being Hit by a Car in Louisiana?
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Financial recovery can help offset the losses you have experienced, including:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Other accident-related damages
Insurance companies often act quickly to minimize payouts. Accepting an early settlement without understanding the full scope of your injuries can leave you paying out of pocket later.
When Should You Contact a Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after being hit by a vehicle. Personal injury claims can be complex, especially when injuries are serious or liability is disputed.
Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your claim is handled correctly from the start.
An experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate how the accident occurred
- Handle communication with insurers
- Gather medical and financial evidence
- Fight for full and fair compensation
Having an attorney allows you to focus on healing while someone else handles the legal process, deadlines, and negotiations.
Get Help After Being Hit by a Vehicle in Louisiana
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle, you do not have to navigate this process alone. Our team of experienced attorneys at MGM here to guide you through your personal injury claim, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Let us take some of the pressure off so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn your legal options after a vehicle accident.
