Being involved in a car crash is a shocking and overwhelming experience. Even a minor fender-bender can leave you confused about what to do next, especially if you’ve sustained an injury. Your actions immediately following the accident are crucial for your safety, your potential injury claim, and dealing with insurance.

Here is a step-by-step guide on what you should do right after an injury-causing car accident.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the absolute top priority.

• Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe location out of the flow of traffic. If you cannot move the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights.
• Check for Injuries: Immediately assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, adrenaline can mask symptoms.
• Call 911 (or local emergency services): Call for an ambulance if you or anyone else is seriously injured. You must also report the accident to the police, as an official police report is vital for your insurance claim and potential legal case.
• See a Doctor Immediately: Whether you take an ambulance or not, see a medical professional (ER, urgent care, or your primary care physician) as soon as possible. Do not wait. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest for hours or days. A medical record created right after the crash is the strongest evidence linking your injuries to the accident.

Step 2: Gather Essential Information

While the police are on the scene, or if you must collect information yourself, be systematic. Use your phone to take pictures and notes.

• Exchange Information: Get the following details from the other driver(s):
  • Full Name and Contact Information
  • Insurance Company Name and Policy Number
  • Driver’s License Number
  • Vehicle Make, Model, Year, and License Plate Number
• Document the Scene: Take detailed photos before the vehicles are moved, if safe to do so. Photograph:
  • Damage to all vehicles.
  • The position of the vehicles.
  • Traffic signs, skid marks, or road conditions.
  • Visible injuries (bruises, cuts, etc.).
• Identify Witnesses: Ask any bystanders for their names and contact information. Their independent statements can be invaluable.
• Note the Details: Write down the date, time, and exact location of the crash, along with a brief description of how the accident happened while it’s fresh in your mind. 

Step 3: Be Careful What You Say (At the Scene and Afterward)

This is one of the most critical pieces of advice.

DO NOT admit fault, apologize, or make any statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility for the crash, even if you think you were partly to blame.

• To the Police: State only the facts as you know them. Do not speculate or guess.
• To the Other Driver: Keep the interaction minimal and focused only on exchanging information.
• On Social Media: Do not post photos or details about the accident or your injuries on social media.Insurance companies routinely monitor these accounts for anything that might contradict your claim.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

You are required by your policy to report the accident promptly, regardless of who was at fault.

• Notify Them: Call your insurer and give them a basic account of the facts.
• Keep it Brief: Provide only necessary information. Do not give a recorded statement until you have consulted with a legal professional. You do not have to provide detailed descriptions of your injuries over the phone to the adjuster.

Step 5: Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

If you have sustained an injury, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

• Why You Need a Lawyer: An attorney can protect your rights, deal with the aggressive tactics of the at-fault driver’s insurance company, investigate the crash, and ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Contingency Fees: Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid a percentage if they win your case, so there are no up-front costs.

Key Takeaways for Injury Victims

Recovering from a car accident is a difficult process, but knowing these steps can help you navigate the immediate aftermath effectively.

The lawyers at Lawrence Law Firm have decades of experience handling a large variety of injury claims.  We know how to avoid falling into the traps set by insurance companies and their lawyers to deny you full compensation.