Did you know that in the first two months of 2025, preliminary data from the National Safety Council shows a decrease in motor vehicle deaths in the U.S., with February reporting an approximately 9% decrease compared to 2024 and 2023? Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you have sustained serious injuries.
Your initial reaction to a car accident may be to panic, but it’s important to maintain your composure. How you respond immediately after an accident can influence your safety, well-being, and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Car accident lawyer Douglas D. Shaffer says hiring a skilled car accident lawyer will allow you to recover with peace of mind while they take care of the case on your behalf.
Knowing what to do next can help you handle the situation better after the accident. This article will provide guidance on what steps to take following a car accident.
Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
If you are involved in a crash, the first thing you should do is check to see if anyone has been injured and if everyone is safe.
Take a moment to assess yourself and the people who are the victims. Look for signs of pain in the victim and notify the appropriate emergency services immediately.
Don’t move a seriously injured person unless it’s necessary, like in a fire.
Pay attention to other issues surrounding the accident, such as fuel leaks and oncoming traffic. If you can do it safely, put your hazard lights on.
If the situation can be managed, help others get out of their vehicles and away from oncoming traffic to a safe location.
Stay calm and take quick action to reduce the risk of further injury and promote the well-being of everyone.
Call Emergency Services
Do not delay seeking medical assistance even if your injury seems minor. Consulting a doctor confirms whether you have any underlying issues and provides documentation of your condition.
Share important information about where you are, how many vehicles are damaged, and how serious the injuries are. Stay calm and direct rescue teams to your location so they can reach you quickly.
While waiting for the first responders, do not go away or hang up on the line. Search for a safe place to walk that keeps you away from danger.
Avoid admitting fault and discussing the details of the incident with others, especially if you have not yet hired a lawyer.
Exchange Information With Other Parties
Sharing information with other parties involved in the accident is important for filing insurance claims and understanding who is responsible.
To begin with, write down the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all the drivers and passengers. Exchange insurance information, such as policy numbers and company names, with the other drivers involved in the accident.
If there are witnesses, note their names and addresses. These witnesses can provide you with valuable information that you can later use if you decide to take legal action.
You must record the car, license numbers, and car models of all involved.
Be polite, calm and collected. Avoid having arguments. If the other party does not cooperate, be gentle but firm.
Providing accurate data will help you file an insurance claim and protect you if there are any later disputes.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Taking photographic evidence of the accident is important for building a solid case.
Take pictures of all the vehicles involved, get the property owners’ names nearby, and capture any visible damage to the vehicles. Take photos from different angles and distances.
Document the existing weather conditions, road signs, traffic lights, skid marks, debris, or broken glass.
Get your statements about the event written right away, while everything is still fresh in your mind. Keep in mind that the quality of evidence and memories can deteriorate with time. The more detail given, the stronger your case will be.
Notify Your Insurance Company
It’s important to call your insurance company within the first 24 hours after the accident. Reporting the incident helps confirm that you’re covered for any damage or medical costs.
Call your insurer and recount all you can about the accident, including the date, time, location, and the name, age, and address of any other involved party or parties. Expect the insurance company to ask for a copy of the police report and pictures of the accident scene.
Be honest and provide complete details. Any inconsistencies in your account might affect your claim.
Keep track of your contacts, including the dates, and write down the names of any insurance agents or customer service representatives you spoke with.