What to do after a car accident
What you do in the hours and days after a crash affects both your recovery and any claim you may have. A few steps make a real difference.
Get medical care — and keep going
See a doctor right away, even if you feel fine; some serious injuries aren’t obvious at the scene. Follow through on treatment and keep records of every visit, prescription, and follow-up. Gaps in care are the first thing an insurer uses to argue you weren’t really hurt.
Document the scene
If you’re able, photograph the vehicles, the damage, the roadway, and your injuries. Get the other driver’s name, license, insurance, and plate number, and the contact information of any witnesses. Note the police report number.
Report the crash
Call the police so there is an official record. You can notify your own insurer that a crash occurred, but keep it factual — you are not required to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement, and those statements are routinely used against you.
Keep track of your losses
Hold on to records of medical bills, prescription and out-of-pocket costs, travel to appointments, and any wages lost to time off work. Together they document the full value of your claim.
Be careful what you say
Don’t discuss the crash with the other driver’s insurer, and don’t post about it on social media. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Talk to a lawyer before you settle
Early offers are almost always low, and once you sign a release the claim is closed — even if your injuries turn out to be worse than they first appeared. The consultation is free, and personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee.