Author: Shelby Benavidez
Contributing Attorney: Camille Pace, new client attorney
Getting into a car accident can be one of the most stressful and confusing moments in life. Even a minor collision can leave you shaken, unsure what to do next, or worried about insurance and injuries. The good news is that knowing what steps to take immediately after a crash can make a big difference both for your safety and for any claims that follow.
This guide breaks down what to do after a car accident, how to check for injuries, when to contact your insurance company, and why speaking with an attorney can help protect your rights.
First Steps After a Car Accident
The first few minutes after a car accident can feel like a blur, but your actions during this time are critical.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
Getting into a car accident can be terrifying, so take a moment to breathe and collect yourself. Once you’re ready, assess your surroundings and check if you, your passengers, and anyone from the other vehicle are injured. If your vehicle is in a dangerous spot, like in the middle of the road, try to move to a safe area, such as the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
If you are seriously injured, your next step is to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Your health and safety should be your top priority. If anyone else is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Do not try to move injured people unless they’re in immediate danger, like their vehicle is on fire or they are in the line of moving traffic.
Step 2: Call the Police
Even for minor collisions, call the police and let them know there’s been an accident. The official police report can be used to establish liability for insurance and legal purposes. If an officer arrives on scene, explain what happened as calmly and accurately as you can. Stick to the facts – don’t admit fault or try to speculate.
Police may not always respond to the accident, especially if it was a minor fender bender. They may instruct you to move your vehicle to the side of the road while you exchange information with the other driver, but they may not find it necessary to be physically present. If this happens, you can file a report later at a local station or online.
Step 3: Exchange Information
After the accident, gather as many details as you can from the other driver, including their full name and contact information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license and license plate number, and the vehicle’s make, model, and color, as well as the location of the accident. If possible, try to get a picture of the other driver.
Be polite and cooperative during this exchange, but be very cautious about what you say. Simple phrases like “I’m sorry” or “It’s okay, I’m fine” can be misinterpreted later. The insurance companies may use phrases like this as an excuse to put you at fault or downplay your injuries.
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their statements could help clarify what really happened.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
While on the scene of the accident, use your phone to take as many photos and videos as possible. Document any damage to your vehicle and the other driver’s, if possible. Take photos of the scene, including where your vehicles stopped, nearby road signs, traffic lights, and skid marks. If the weather is bad or the road conditions are poor, document that, too! Finally, take pictures of all your injuries, your passenger’s injuries, and those of the other driver, if you can. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, these photos can help your attorney build and strengthen your case.
Step 5: Contact an Attorney and Notify Your Insurance Company
If you were not injured in the accident, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to alert them of the wreck. Again, be cautious about what you say – only state the facts and be honest about what you know. Your insurance company should guide you on what to do next to arrange car repairs and a rental car if it’s included in your policy.
If you were injured, a personal injury attorney should be your second call after 911. A qualified attorney can help you contact your insurer. They will guide you on what to say to document your claim and handle all communications with the other driver’s insurance and negotiations on your behalf.
We’ll go over how insurance claims work, what to say (and what not to say), and when to contact an attorney in more detail in the following sections.
Checking on Your Health After a Car Accident
How to Know if You Are Okay After a Crash
Car accidents can cause injuries that don’t always show up right away. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours, days, or even weeks after an impact. Immediately after the accident, take a few moments to assess how you feel. Check for symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, or any pain in the neck, back, or chest.
Even if you feel fine, let EMS transport you to an emergency room or visit an urgent care or trusted physician as soon as possible. This will give you peace of mind knowing you have been evaluated for any internal injuries. Additionally, a medical evaluation creates an official record of your condition, which is important for both your health and any insurance or personal injury claim that may follow.
When Delayed Symptoms Appear After a Car Wreck
Sometimes, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage develop over time. If you start feeling pain, stiffness, or numbness days later, don’t ignore it. Contact your healthcare provider immediately and explain that you were in a car accident. Keep copies of all medical visits, prescriptions, and test results because these records can help you get reimbursed for medical expenses later.
Emotional and Mental Recovery After a Car Accident
Experiencing a car accident is traumatic. Many people experience anxiety, depression, nightmares, and fear of getting back in the vehicle. If you are struggling emotionally after a car accident, know that you are not alone. If these feelings persist, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in trauma recovery. Your emotional well-being is just as important as physical healing.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
How Soon After a Crash Do You Need to File a Claim?
You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours of the accident. Most policies require prompt reporting, and waiting too long could make it harder to get your claim approved or processed smoothly. When you call, be prepared with key details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, the police report number if you have it, photos of the damage, witness contact information, and the other driver’s insurance details.
If you’re unsure what to say or feel uncomfortable speaking directly with the insurance company, an experienced car accident attorney can step in to help. They can handle communications on your behalf, ensure your statements are accurate and protected, and make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
How Insurance Works in a Non-Fault Car Accident
In states with “at-fault” systems, the insurance of the driver who caused the accident pays for the damages, including vehicle repair and medical bills up to policy limits. In “no-fault” states, each driver’s own insurance covers their injuries regardless of who caused the crash.
However, even in no-fault states, you may still file a claim against the at-fault driver for severe injuries or major vehicle damage. Understanding your state’s insurance laws can help you make the right move.
If you’re unsure, ask your insurance agent or a local attorney to explain how the rules apply to your situation.
What You Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Be careful about what you say while talking to the insurance companies – that includes your own!
First of all, you should never admit fault. Even if you think you might be partially responsible, let the investigation determine that. Don’t agree to providing any recorded statements without legal advice. You have the right to politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Finally, don’t downplay your injuries and don’t speak about them until you have been evaluated by a medical professional. Saying “I’m fine” or “I’m just a little sore” could hurt your claim later if your injuries persist or worsen.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Even a seemingly simple car accident can quickly become complicated when medical bills, insurance disputes, or questions about fault arise. That’s where an experienced car accident attorney can make a real difference. A skilled personal injury lawyer can handle communication with insurance companies, collect critical evidence and medical records, negotiate for a fair settlement, and even represent you in court if necessary. Many car accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case, making legal help accessible to anyone in need.
You should consider contacting an attorney if you’ve suffered injuries or significant vehicle damage, if the other driver denies responsibility, if the insurance company offers a low settlement, or if you simply feel unsure about how to navigate your claim. Getting legal help early can prevent costly mistakes, reduce stress, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the entire process.
