What to Do (and What Not to Do) Immediately After a Car Accident
A sudden car crash turns your world upside down in a second. You feel pain, your car is wrecked, and your head is spinning.
In those chaotic first few moments, it is hard to know what to do next. Taking the right steps protects your health and your legal rights.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and your passengers for pain or bleeding.
Call 911 right away, even if the crash seems minor.
Ask for both the police and an ambulance if anyone feels hurt.
A police report creates an official record of what happened.
2. Get to Safety
If your car can move and blocks traffic, pull over to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. Stay out of the path of oncoming traffic.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Talk to the other driver, but keep your words brief.
Get their full name, phone number, and address.
Write down their insurance company name and policy number.
Note the car's make, model, color, and license plate number.
Tip: Do not apologize or say things like "I’m sorry, I didn’t see you." Insurance companies use these words to blame you later.
4. Take Photos and Video
Your phone is your best tool for proof. Take wide pictures of the whole scene, including:
Damage to all vehicles
Skid marks on the road
Traffic signs, stoplights, or weather conditions
Your visible cuts, bruises, or injuries
5. Get Medical Help (Even if You Feel "Fine")
Adrenaline hides pain. Hours or days later, whiplash, neck pain, or internal injuries can show up.
Go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room right away.
Tell the doctor about every ache you feel.
Follow all of their care instructions. Skipping doctor visits gives insurance companies an excuse to pay you less.
6. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Talking to Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may call you within a day or two. Their job is to pay you as little as possible.
You do not have to give a recorded statement right away.
Our injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means you pay $0 upfront, and we only get paid a percentage if we win money for you. Give us a call to discuss your case.
