What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Claim

Car accidents are overwhelming. Even a minor collision can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure what to do next.

What you do in the first minutes, hours, and days after a crash can directly impact your health, your finances, and your legal rights. This guide walks you through exactly what to do to protect yourself and your potential injury claim.

1. Prioritize Safety First

Your immediate focus should always be safety.

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries.

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt.

• Move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.

• Turn on hazard lights.

Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask symptoms. It is always a good idea to seek medical advice out of an abundance of caution.

2. Call the Police and Get a Report

A police report creates an official record of the accident. This document often becomes critical evidence when dealing with insurance companies.

When officers arrive:

• Provide accurate facts.

• Avoid speculating about fault.

• Request the report number before leaving.

If officers do not respond to the scene, you should still file a report to document the collision for insurance purposes.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Documentation is powerful and captures critical details, including the date, time, and location of the incident; weather and road conditions; positions and damage to the vehicles; statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses; and any injuries or medical evaluations.

Take photos or videos of:

• Vehicle damage (all sides)

• License plates

• Road conditions

• Traffic signs or signals

• Visible injuries

Also collect:

• Names and contact information of drivers and witnesses

• Insurance information

• Driver’s license numbers

The more documentation you have, the stronger your position later.

4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel “fine,” see a medical professional as soon as possible.

Some injuries — including whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries — may not present symptoms immediately.

Prompt medical care:

• Protects your health

• Creates documentation linking injuries to the accident

• Prevents insurance companies from arguing that you weren’t truly hurt

Follow all treatment recommendations carefully.

5. Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney

If you were injured, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand:

• Whether you have a claim

• What your case may be worth

• How to deal with insurance companies

• What deadlines apply in your state

An attorney can handle communication, gather evidence, and negotiate for full and fair compensation while you focus on recovery.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Most policies require prompt reporting of accidents. We recommend seeking legal advice prior to discussing the details of the incident with the insurance company, but if you decide to call the insurance company first, remember that they are not your friends.

Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. They may even make an early offer, but those early offers often fail to cover long-term medical costs, pain-and-suffering costs, and lost wages.

When speaking to an adjuster:

• Stick to basic facts.

• Do not provide recorded statements without understanding your rights.

• Avoid discussing fault.

• Do not accept a quick settlement without understanding the full extent of your injuries.

7. Be Careful What You Say (and Post)

Avoid discussing the accident:

• On any social media

• With the other driver’s insurer

• In recorded statements without legal advice

Even innocent comments can be taken out of context and used against you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying medical care

• Failing to document the scene

• Admitting fault at the scene

• Accepting the first settlement offer

• Missing legal deadlines

Small missteps can significantly reduce the value of your claim.

When Should You Call a Lawyer?

You should strongly consider legal guidance if:

• You suffered injuries

• Fault is disputed

• The insurance company denies or delays your claim

• The accident involved multiple vehicles

• A commercial vehicle or rideshare driver was involved

The sooner you understand your options, the better positioned you are.

Final Thoughts

A car accident can disrupt your life in seconds. Taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect both your health and your financial future.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, seeking experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Need help after a car accident? Contact our office for a free consultation to understand your rights and options.