Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. In that moment, questions race through your mind: Am I hurt? Who’s at fault? Should I call my insurance company? Do I need a lawyer?
How you handle the moments immediately following an accident can significantly impact your health, safety, and financial well-being. Many people make the mistake of calling their insurance company first, not realizing that what they say could affect their claim. Others downplay their injuries, only to discover later that they need medical treatment.
So, who should you call first? The short answer: 911. Then, after ensuring your safety, you need to gather evidence, seek medical attention, notify your insurance (carefully), and speak with a personal injury lawyer before agreeing to any settlements. Let’s break down the exact steps you should take to protect yourself after a car accident.
Understanding Car Accidents and What to Expect
Car accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe crashes with life-altering consequences. Even if the accident seems minor, it can still result in injuries, vehicle damage, and financial stress.
Many accident victims don’t realize that injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal damage may not be immediately apparent. Shock and adrenaline can mask pain, leading people to believe they’re fine—until symptoms appear hours or even days later.
Additionally, dealing with insurance companies can be tricky. While insurers may seem helpful, their goal is to minimize payouts. This is why talking to a personal injury lawyer before accepting any offers is crucial—you don’t want to settle for less than you deserve.
Understanding what to expect after an accident helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Now, let’s dive into the exact steps you should take.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety is the top priority. After a crash, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Are you injured? Can you move? Check on your passengers and anyone else involved. If there are injuries, don’t try to move anyone unless they’re in immediate danger (such as a car fire). Moving an injured person improperly can make things worse.
Even if injuries seem minor, always call 911. Emergency responders can assess the scene, provide medical attention, and create an official accident report, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal cases.
In some states, you are legally required to report an accident if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Skipping this step could lead to fines or legal trouble.
Step 2: Gather Evidence and Exchange Information
Once you've ensured everyone’s safety and contacted emergency services, it's time to document the accident. The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Here’s what you should do:
- Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Record a video of the accident scene, showing weather conditions and road hazards.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Get their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
- Get witness statements if anyone saw what happened. Their testimony can help clarify fault.
- Write down details like the time, date, and location of the accident.
Avoid discussing who's at fault with the other driver. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to police, witnesses, and insurance representatives.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine
Many people walk away from accidents feeling okay, only to experience pain, dizziness, or other symptoms later. That’s because some injuries—like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding—aren’t immediately noticeable.
Seeing a doctor right away serves two important purposes:
- Protecting your health – A medical professional can detect hidden injuries and recommend treatment before things get worse.
- Strengthening your case – Medical records provide crucial evidence if you need to file a personal injury claim. Without documentation, insurers may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Even if you feel fine, go to urgent care or schedule a check-up with your doctor as soon as possible. Keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and treatment plans.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Careful What You Say)
Once you’ve taken care of your immediate safety and medical needs, you should notify your insurance company. Most policies require you to report an accident within a certain time frame.
However, be cautious about what you say. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and even an innocent statement like, “I didn’t see the other car” could be used against you. Stick to the basic facts:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The vehicles involved
- Whether a police report was filed
- Any immediate injuries you’re aware of
Don’t admit fault, speculate on what happened, or agree to a recorded statement without speaking to a personal injury lawyer first. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not provide a statement—redirect them to your legal representative.
Step 5: Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Accepting Any Offers
If you’ve been injured, dealing with medical bills, or facing pushback from insurance companies, speaking to a personal injury lawyer from Smolich and Smolich is one of the most important steps you can take.
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements to accident victims, hoping they’ll accept a low payout before realizing the full extent of their injuries. However, once you accept an offer, you can’t ask for more money later—even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.
Our experienced car accident attorney can:
- Review your case and determine what compensation you’re entitled to
- Negotiate with insurance companies to get a fair settlement
- Help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Take legal action if necessary to fight for what you deserve
Ultimately, a car accident can turn your life upside down, but taking the right steps can make a big difference in your recovery—physically, financially, and legally. Always prioritize your safety, document everything, seek medical attention, and be mindful of what you say to insurance companies. Most importantly, speak with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any offers.
We can help you understand your rights and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call us at (916) 571-0400 or fill out our online form to book a consultation.