Jeff Marion | February 13, 2026 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury
A car accident can happen without warning. In the moments afterward, it’s easy to feel shaken or unsure of what to do next. The steps road users take following a crash can affect their health, their insurance claim, and their ability to recover compensation.
This guide explains what to do after a car accident so you can protect yourself and avoid common mistakes.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your priority after a car accident is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to have medical professionals evaluate the situation. Some of the more severe injuries resulting in concussions or internal bleeding may not be obvious right away.
If the vehicles are blocking traffic and can be moved safely, pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Do not leave the scene of the car accident.
Step 2: Call the Police
In most car collisions involving injuries or significant property damage, you should contact law enforcement. A responding officer will assess the scene and prepare an official car accident report.
The police report often includes the names of drivers, insurance information, witness statements, and the officer’s observations about what happened. This document can become important evidence if there is a dispute about fault.
When speaking with the police, provide accurate information but avoid guessing or speculating. Do not admit fault at the scene. Determining liability is not something that should be decided in the immediate aftermath of a car crash.
Step 3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
After ensuring everyone is safe, exchange basic information with the other motorist. This includes full names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
If there are witnesses nearby, also ask for their contact information. Independent witnesses can make a significant difference if the other driver later changes their version of events.
Keep the conversation calm and brief. Avoid arguing about who caused the car accident.
Step 4: Document the Scene of the Car Crash
If you are physically able, use your phone to take photographs and videos before the vehicles are moved. Capture damage to all vehicles, the position of the vehicles, traffic signals, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Clear documentation helps preserve evidence that may disappear once the scene is cleared. This can be especially important if the other driver later disputes responsibility for the car accident.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
Even if you feel fine, schedule a medical evaluation shortly after the car crash. Pain and other symptoms can develop hours or days later. Seeing a doctor promptly not only protects your health but also creates a medical record connecting your injuries to the car accident.
Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as a reason to question injury claims. Prompt care reduces the risk of those arguments.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Stopping treatment early can weaken your case.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance policies require you to report a car accident within a reasonable time. Provide basic facts about when and where the car crash occurred, but keep your statements simple.
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, be cautious. You are not required to give a recorded statement without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to obtain statements that limit the value of your claim.
Step 7: Avoid Accepting a Quick Settlement
Shortly after a car accident, you may receive a settlement offer. Early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting a settlement usually requires signing a release, which prevents you from seeking additional compensation later.
Before agreeing to any settlement, make sure you understand the total cost of your medical care, lost wages, and other damages. Once a case is closed, it is typically final.
Step 8: Keep Records of All Accident-Related Costs
Maintain organized records of everything connected to the accident. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, repair estimates, rental vehicle expenses, and documentation of missed work.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Accurate records help demonstrate the true impact of the crash.
Step 9: Understand Your Legal Rights
Many car accidents are caused by negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or failure to yield. If another driver’s carelessness caused your injuries, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim.
Establishing fault may involve reviewing the police report, analyzing vehicle damage, gathering witness statements, and examining available video footage. In more serious cases, car accident reconstruction experts may be involved. If fault is disputed or your injuries are significant, legal guidance can be critical.
Step 10: Call a Car Accident Attorney
You may want to contact an attorney if you suffered injuries, if liability is unclear, or if the insurance company delays or denies your claim. Serious injuries, long-term treatment, or lost wages often increase the stakes of a case.
The Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion represents individuals injured in car accidents and understands the challenges that follow a crash. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. Having an advocate on your side can help ensure that your rights are protected and that your claim is handled properly.
Contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion for a Free Consultation
A car accident can disrupt your life in an instant. By focusing on safety, seeking medical care, documenting the scene, and being cautious with insurance companies, you place yourself in a stronger position moving forward.
If you have questions about your rights after a crash, speaking with a qualified attorney can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your next steps. Contact us today to get started.