Do’s and Don’ts After a Car Accident

A car accident is one of the most stressful and unexpected events that can happen in a person’s life. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath is critical. The steps you take can impact your safety, your insurance claims, and even your legal rights. Acting quickly and making the right choices can help you protect yourself from financial losses and legal trouble.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about handling a car accident, from ensuring your safety to navigating the complex insurance process and knowing when to contact a lawyer. Understanding these steps in advance can help you remain calm and make informed decisions if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Do's and Don'ts After a Car Accident

Immediate Steps to Take at the Accident Scene

The moments following a car accident can be chaotic. It is essential to remain calm, assess the situation, and take action to ensure your safety and that of others around you. The priority after any accident is to check for injuries, call emergency services if needed, and secure the scene to prevent further harm.

1. Ensure Your Safety and Check for Injuries

The first thing you should do is take a deep breath and assess your physical condition. Shock and adrenaline can sometimes mask pain, so take a moment to see if you feel any discomfort or injuries. If you have passengers, check on their condition as well. If anyone is injured, call emergency medical services immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is always best to get medical attention because some conditions, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away.

If you are physically able to do so, check on the occupants of the other vehicles involved in the accident. If they are injured, encourage them to stay still and wait for emergency responders. Moving an injured person without proper training can worsen their condition.

2. Call 911 – When and Why It’s Necessary

It is always best to call 911 after an accident, even if it appears minor. Emergency responders can assess injuries, provide medical attention, and create a police report. In many states, you are legally required to report an accident if there are injuries or significant vehicle damage.

When calling 911, be prepared to provide the dispatcher with essential details, such as the location of the accident, the number of vehicles involved, and whether there are any injuries. Follow their instructions and wait for the emergency services to arrive. The police will document the accident and create an official report, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters.

3. Move Your Vehicle (If Safe to Do So)

If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent traffic congestion and reduce the risk of another collision. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and, if possible, use cones or flares to make the scene more visible. If the accident is severe or your vehicle is not drivable, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives. Exiting your vehicle on a busy roadway can be dangerous.

4. Gather Evidence – Document the Accident Scene

One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is to document everything. Taking photos and videos of the accident scene will help you support your insurance claim and protect yourself legally. Use your smartphone to capture images of the vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any injuries. Include close-ups of the damage as well as wide shots to show the overall scene.

In addition to taking photos, write down details about what happened while the event is still fresh in your memory. Make a note of the time, date, location, and weather conditions. If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements could be helpful if there is a dispute over what happened.

5. Information to Collect from Other Drivers and Witnesses

After ensuring that everyone is safe and emergency services have been called, exchange information with the other driver. Obtain their full name, phone number, insurance provider, and policy number. Write down their driver’s license number and the license plate number of their vehicle. Also, take note of the make, model, and color of their car.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, speak with them and ask for their contact information. A third-party witness can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which may be useful if you need to dispute an insurance claim or prove liability in court.

6. What NOT to Do at the Scene

It is critical to avoid making statements that could be used against you later. Do not admit fault, even if you believe you may have caused the accident. Determining fault is a complex process that takes multiple factors into account, and making an admission at the scene could harm your ability to file a claim. Also, do not discuss settlement arrangements with the other driver or sign any documents that are not from law enforcement or your insurance company.

 

Handling Law Enforcement and Reporting the Accident

When to Call the Police
If you have not already called the police, you should do so if the accident involves injuries, significant property damage, or a dispute between drivers. Even if the accident seems minor, having a police report can serve as an official record and provide clarity when filing an insurance claim. The police officer will gather statements, assess the scene, and create a report that includes details about what happened.

What to Say (and What NOT to Say) to the Police
When speaking with the police, stick to the facts. Provide a clear and concise description of what happened without speculating about who was at fault. If you are unsure about any details, simply state that you do not know. Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Once the police have completed their report, ask for a copy or find out how you can obtain one later.

 

Navigating the Insurance Process

How to File an Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all necessary details, including the police report number, photos of the damage, and witness statements. Answer their questions honestly, but avoid providing more information than necessary.

Avoiding Common Insurance Mistakes
Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to file a claim, which can lead to complications. Another common mistake is giving inconsistent statements, which can cause the insurance company to question your credibility. It is also important to be cautious when speaking with the other driver’s insurance adjuster, as they may try to minimize your compensation.

When to Contact a Lawyer for Your Claim
If you suffered serious injuries, if the insurance company is denying or delaying your claim, or if the other driver is uninsured, you should consult a lawyer. An attorney can help protect your rights and negotiate a fair settlement.

 

Medical Attention and Post-Accident Health Risks

Why You Should See a Doctor Even if You Feel Fine
After an accident, some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days later. Conditions like whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries can develop slowly. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated early.

Delayed Symptoms to Watch Out For
Pay attention to symptoms such as neck or back pain, persistent headaches, numbness, dizziness, or mood changes. These could indicate serious medical conditions that require immediate attention.

 

Legal Considerations After a Car Accident

Should You Admit Fault? Understanding Liability
Never admit fault at the scene. The police report, witness statements, and insurance investigations will determine liability. Admitting fault can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation.

Understanding Your Rights and Compensation Options
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you pursue these claims.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Car Accident

What should I do immediately after a car accident?
The first thing you should do after a car accident is check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away for medical assistance. If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, move your vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights and use cones or flares if available to alert other drivers. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and document the accident by taking photos of the vehicles, damage, and the surrounding area.

Should I call the police after an accident?
Yes, you should call the police if the accident involves injuries, significant vehicle damage, or a dispute about fault. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or if legal action becomes necessary. Even if the police do not come to the scene, you may need to file a report yourself, depending on your state’s laws.

What information should I collect from the other driver?
You should exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver. Additionally, make a note of their vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well, as their statements may be useful if fault is disputed.

What should I do if the other driver refuses to give me their information?
If the other driver refuses to provide their information, stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. Contact the police and explain the situation to the responding officer. Law enforcement can document the accident and ensure that the necessary information is obtained. If the driver flees the scene, try to note their license plate number and a description of their vehicle and immediately report the hit-and-run to the police.

Can I move my car after an accident?
If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, you should move your car to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot, to prevent traffic congestion and further accidents. However, if the crash is severe or involves injuries, leave the vehicles where they are and wait for law enforcement to arrive.

 

Contact Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. Today

If you have been involved in a car accident and need legal advice, speaking with a lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Do not go through this process alone—contact Marvin A. Cooper, P.C. today for a free consultation.