Nobody plans to get into a car accident, but knowing what to do in those first crucial moments can save lives and protect you legally. Whether you’re directly involved or first on the scene, your actions in the first few minutes after a crash matter more than you might think.
Think of this guide as your roadmap for those critical moments when clear thinking might be challenging. Let’s walk through exactly what you must do to keep everyone safe and legally protect yourself.
Check Yourself First – You Can’t Help Others If You’re Hurt
The moments right after an accident are confusing, and adrenaline might mask serious injuries. Stay in your car for a moment and take a deep breath. Pay attention to how your body feels – sharp pains, dizziness, or blurred vision could signal serious injury.
If you notice neck or back pain, don’t move – wait for medical help. Only if you’re sure you’re uninjured should you attempt to move or exit your vehicle. Once you confirm you’re okay, turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible.
Check on Others and Call for Help
Once you’re safe and the scene is secured, check on everyone else involved in the accident. Start with the quietest people first – someone who isn’t moving or making noise needs immediate attention. If anyone is unconscious but breathing, don’t move them unless they’re in immediate danger from fire or traffic.
Watch out for confused victims who might wander into traffic. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, even if the injuries seem minor. Better safe than sorry when it comes to potential head injuries or internal trauma.
Get Law Enforcement Involved
Call the police even if it seems like a minor accident. Their report will be crucial when dealing with insurance companies and any legal issues that might come up later. While you wait for them to arrive, stay at the scene.
Many of the best car accident lawyer tips emphasize the importance of sticking to just the facts when talking to police – what you saw, heard, and did. Don’t admit fault or blame others. Let the officers gather information and draw their conclusions.
Make the Scene Safe – Prevent a Bad Situation from Getting Worse
Preventing more mishaps comes second. Look for imminent threats like traffic patterns, smoke, or gasoline leaks. If your automobile is driveable but in traffic, relocate it to a neighboring parking lot or shoulder.
If you can’t get your vehicle moved, leave it where it is; your safety comes first above traffic clearing. Cut off your engine to avoid running afoul of fire regulations. If you have emergency triangles or flares and can safely place them, set them up to warn approaching vehicles.
Document Everything – Your Memory Isn’t as Good as You Think
Take photos of both vehicles before they’re moved (if it’s safe). Get shots of all damage, no matter how minor. Remember to photograph the accident scene, including any skid marks, debris, or traffic signs. Write down the other driver’s information: name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number.
Make sure to collect the contact information of any witnesses as well. They could recall critical details that you overlooked. Make sure to jot down any other important information in your phone’s notes app or record it with your voice recorder while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Handle the Aftermath Smart
Make sure to see a doctor within 24 hours of the accident, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, particularly those related to soft tissue or whiplash, may not immediately present symptoms. Make sure to note all your medical appointments and any symptoms.
Contact your insurance company immediately; many offer claims services around the clock. Share the essential details and hold off on in-depth discussions until all the paperwork is sorted. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, it’s best to kindly only provide a statement once you’ve had a chance to talk with your insurer first.
