What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

A car accident can be one of the most jarring and traumatizing experiences a person can go through. They are loud, scary, and often result in injury. With this in mind, it is no surprise that people are often at a loss when it comes to what they should do right after being in a car accident. Well, with this list, you should be able to keep your wits about you and handle the situation properly should you ever be unfortunate enough to be in a car accident, and with 5.5 to 6.2 million car accidents per year, you just might be.

Check for Injuries and Move to a Safe Location

The first thing you need to do is check for injuries. Look over yourself for any visible injuries and make sure all of your limbs are mobile. You may think that you will automatically know if you are injured. This is not always the case. With adrenaline and shock, it is quite possible to be seriously injured in a car accident and not notice until some time later. If there are serious injuries on anyone involved, you should call an ambulance immediately. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

You should also move to a safe location. Oftentimes, your car will end up in the middle of the road and it may not be in working order. You should remove yourself from the street as soon as possible. All too frequently, people get in a car accident and do not get out of the street, and end up being struck by another vehicle coming down the road.

Contact the Police

While minor accidents may not require police, it is usually best to call them. They can direct traffic and ensure that everyone at the scene of the accident stays safe. Additionally, an official police report can be extremely helpful in determining who is at fault. Police officers are specially trained in writing detailed accident reports that often tell most of the story. It should also be mentioned that tempers can run high after an accident. It is often valuable to have a police officer present just to ensure that everyone remains calm and peaceful.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

You will need to exchange information with the other driver. This includes:

• Name and contact information
• Driver’s license information
• Insurance company and policy information
• Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number

Your insurance company will need all of the other driver’s information to process your claim. You will also need it should you end up needing to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.

Document the Accident Scene

You should document the accident scene. This means taking pictures and videos of:

• Vehicle damage
• The positions of the vehicles
• License plates
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals
• Skid marks or debris
• Visible injuries, when appropriate

Additionally, you should write down your recollection of the accident as soon as possible. This will ensure that you get your story down on paper before you forget any details.

Speak With Witnesses

You need to speak with witnesses before they leave. Ask them for their names and contact information. You do not need to ask them what they say. Your insurance company or lawyer will take care of that later. You just need their information. Avoid pressuring witnesses or discussing who was at fault with any witnesses.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think you’re unharmed, you should seek medical attention after leaving the scene of the accident. Not all injuries are immediately apparent and a professional may find something you didn’t notice. This will also ensure that you have an undeniable record of the injury and that it is related to the car accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Finally, you need to notify your insurance company. Be sure that you only provide accurate information about what happened. Do not exaggerate and under no circumstances should you lie. Additionally, avoid making statements or guessing about anything you are unsure of. Make sure you keep records of communications, claim numbers, and relevant documents. 

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you were seriously injured and not at fault, you may be entitled to compensation, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. If this is your situation, you should contact a personal injury attorney. They will be able to determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation and file a lawsuit on your behalf.