What Should I Do After a Car Crash?

Accidents are, well, accidents. They can happen to anyone and at any time. But, what you do after an accident is in your control and can make your post-accident journey easier and better for you and your family.

If you’re physically well enough to stay on the scene after an accident, here’s a guide with more details about what to do next:

‍At the scene

1. Be careful. You are likely still in the middle of the road and we’ve seen too many instances of people getting injured walking on the street after their accident. 
2. Call 911 to ensure you get a police report if you are on a public road, if anyone is significantly injured be sure to ask for an ambulance.
3. Before any cars are moved, take photos of the scene that capture where each car is and where debris is scattered.
4. If cars are drivable and it’s safe, move vehicles to the side of the road and get debris out of the way.
5. Snap a photo of the license plates of the other cars that were involved, these can be used for insurance information if anything is missed during information exchange between drivers.
6. Exchange information with the other driver(s) - you should get their full name, contact information, name of their insurance company & policy number (and year), and model of their car. 
7. Any additional photos of the damage to all vehicles or documentation of the scene are also helpful.
8. If your car needs to be towed you may need to contact your insurance carrier to report a claim in order to get a tow truck. When you report the claim let your carrier know you are not yet in a safe place to give a full account of the accident and will follow up with more details.

When you get home

1. Write down a summary of the events with as much detail as you can recall. Examples of helpful details to document: approximate time, what lane you were in, color of lights, how long you were stopped, your speed, when you first saw the other car(s).
2. Document any visible injuries with photos and make note of how you are feeling, list each body part where you are experiencing pain.
3. You should report your claim to insurance, but we recommend filing the claim online or through their app. Hold off on giving a recorded statement until you feel better and aren’t taking any prescription medicines that could impair your ability to communicate.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a crash and are injured you may want to seek professional help from a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process, advocate for your best interests and take on the burden of working with all the parties involved to get your damages paid for.

If you've been involved in an accident and are seeking legal support and representation, head over to Mighty's Accident Attorney Directory to find a trusted attorney in your area today.