The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming. Your heart is racing, you might be injured, and a thousand questions flood your mind. What do I do now? Should I call the police? Do I need an ambulance?
Take a breath. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Immediately After the Accident
1. Check for Injuries
Your safety—and the safety of others—comes first. Before worrying about anything else, assess yourself for injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so be thorough. Check your passengers too.
If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it's often wise to get checked out. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, don't show symptoms right away.
2. Move to Safety (If Possible)
If your vehicle is drivable and you're on a busy road, move it to the shoulder or a parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. This prevents additional accidents and keeps everyone safer.
**Important:** Only move your vehicle if it's safe to do so. If you're injured or the car won't move, stay put and wait for help.
3. Call the Police
Even for minor accidents, getting a police report is crucial. Insurance companies rely heavily on these reports, and having official documentation protects you if the other driver later changes their story.
When officers arrive: - Be calm and factual - Describe what happened without admitting fault - Get the officer's name and badge number - Ask how to obtain a copy of the report
Document Everything
Take Photos
Your phone is your best friend here. Photograph: - Damage to all vehicles (multiple angles) - The accident scene and road conditions - Skid marks, debris, traffic signs - Weather conditions - Any visible injuries
Exchange Information
Get the following from the other driver(s): - Full name and contact information - Insurance company and policy number - Driver's license number - License plate number - Vehicle make, model, and color
Also note: - Time and date of the accident - Exact location (intersection, mile marker, etc.) - Names and contact info of witnesses
The First 48 Hours
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24-48 hours. Some injuries take time to manifest, and having medical documentation from immediately after the accident is crucial for any future claim.
Tell your doctor: - That you were in a car accident - Describe any pain, stiffness, or discomfort - Mention any symptoms, even minor ones
Report to Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company promptly, but be careful what you say. Stick to the facts: - When and where the accident occurred - Who was involved - What damage occurred
**Do not** speculate about fault, downplay your injuries, or agree to a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.
Do NOT Post on Social Media
This cannot be stressed enough. Insurance companies routinely monitor social media. A photo of you smiling at dinner could be used to argue your injuries aren't serious. Keep everything off social media until your case is resolved.
When to Call an Attorney
Not every fender bender requires legal help. But you should consult an attorney if: - You have any significant injuries - The other driver was uninsured or underinsured - There's dispute about who was at fault - The insurance company is giving you the runaround - You're being pressured to settle quickly - The accident involved a commercial vehicle
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency—meaning you don't pay unless you win. There's no downside to getting professional advice.
Protect Your Rights
Insurance companies are businesses. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Don't let them take advantage of you during a vulnerable time.
The actions you take in the first 48 hours can make or break your case. Document everything. Get medical attention. And if something feels wrong, trust your instincts and get help.
You've been through enough. Let someone fight for you.