Knowing what to do after a job injury or an automotive accident can protect your health, income, and legal rights. This guide explains the immediate steps to take, how to document and report the incident, and how workers’ compensation and auto insurance claims differ. It also outlines when to consult an attorney.

Whether you’ve suffered a job injury on a construction site or were involved in an automotive accident on your commute, your first priorities are safety and documentation. Move to a safe area, call emergency services when appropriate, and seek prompt medical care even if symptoms seem minor. Early medical records link the event to your condition and form the foundation of any claim. If you can, gather basic evidence at the scene—photos, witness names, and a brief written account while details are fresh.

Reporting and documentation requirements differ by context. For a job injury, notify your supervisor in writing as soon as possible and complete any incident forms; many states set short deadlines for reporting (sometimes within days). Ask how to choose an approved medical provider if your state or employer plan requires it, and keep copies of every report, prescription, and work-status note. For an automotive accident, request a police report, exchange information with other drivers, take photos of vehicle damage and road conditions, and inform your insurer promptly. When speaking to insurers, stick to factual descriptions and avoid speculating about fault or agreeing to recorded statements before you understand your rights.

Claim pathways also differ. Most job injury cases are handled through workers’ compensation, which can cover medical treatment, wage replacement, disability ratings, and vocational rehabilitation; you generally don’t have to prove your employer was negligent. However, you may have a separate third-party claim if, for example, defective equipment or a negligent subcontractor contributed to your injury. After an automotive accident, compensation may come from the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, your collision coverage, personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Fault rules vary by state (e.g., comparative negligence or no-fault), so mind filing deadlines and preserve receipts, repair estimates, and medical bills.

Consider speaking with a qualified attorney if you face serious injuries, denied or delayed benefits, employer retaliation, unclear liability, commercial vehicles, or overlapping situations (such as a crash while driving for work, which may involve both workers’ comp and a third-party claim). Keep a meticulous paper trail, follow medical advice, attend follow-up appointments, and avoid posting about the incident on social media. Ask providers for work restrictions in writing and share them with your employer and insurer. Taking these steps can protect your health and maximize your options while you focus on recovery.