A car accident can leave drivers shaken, confused, and unsure what to do next. Even a relatively minor collision can create safety concerns, medical issues, vehicle damage, and insurance questions.
Our friends at Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP offer the following practical steps for protecting yourself and preserving important information after a crash. A car accident lawyer can help protect your rights after a crash, explain the claims process, and work to recover compensation for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other accident related losses.
1. Check for Injuries
Begin by checking yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone appears seriously hurt, call 911 and avoid moving that person unless remaining in place creates an immediate danger.
Remember that some injuries are not obvious at the scene. Pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or other symptoms may develop later.
2. Move to a Safe Location When Possible
If the vehicles are creating a traffic hazard and can be moved safely, relocate them to the shoulder or another secure area. Turn on hazard lights and remain aware of passing traffic.
Do not move a seriously injured person or take any action that could place you in additional danger.
3. Call the Police
Report the accident to law enforcement, particularly if someone is injured, a vehicle is badly damaged, traffic is obstructed, or another driver leaves the scene.
A responding officer may document the vehicles, drivers, roadway conditions, and statements made at the scene. Requirements for reporting accidents vary by jurisdiction, so drivers should become familiar with the rules where they live.
4. Exchange Information
Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license information, license plate number, insurance company, and policy information.
If the driver does not own the vehicle, ask for the registered owner’s information as well. Avoid photographing or sharing more personal information than is reasonably necessary.
5. Document the Scene
Take photographs or videos if you can do so safely. Useful subjects may include:
- Vehicle damage
- Vehicle positions
- License plates
- Traffic signs and signals
- Skid marks
- Debris
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Visible injuries
Capture both close-up details and wider views showing the overall scene.
6. Speak With Witnesses
Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. An independent witness may later help explain which vehicle had the right of way, how the collision occurred, or what happened immediately afterward.
Do not pressure anyone to give an opinion. Simply ask what the person observed and whether the person is willing to provide contact information.
7. Avoid Debating Fault
Remain calm and do not argue with the other driver. Avoid guessing about speeds, distances, or causes while you are still processing what happened.
Be truthful with the police and provide the facts you remember. An emotional statement made moments after a collision may be incomplete or misunderstood.
8. Seek Appropriate Medical Care
Obtain emergency assistance for serious symptoms. Even without an ambulance trip, consider being evaluated promptly if you experience pain, numbness, weakness, confusion, dizziness, limited movement, or other concerning symptoms.
Explain how the collision occurred and describe every symptom accurately.
9. Notify the Appropriate Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly and provide the basic information requested. Before giving a detailed recorded statement, make sure you understand who is requesting it, which company that person represents, and whether your policy requires your cooperation.
Keep copies of correspondence, claim numbers, estimates, and other insurance documents.
10. Create an Accident File
Save photographs, medical records, receipts, repair estimates, witness information, and notes about accident-related conversations. Record when symptoms started and how they changed.
Be Informed
The period after an accident can feel overwhelming, but taking organized steps can protect your health and prevent important information from being lost. Safety and medical needs should come first. Once those concerns are addressed, careful documentation can make the insurance and claim process easier to understand.
