What to Do After a Car Accident

1. Get to safety and call for help

Move to a safe place if you can and turn on your hazard lights. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt, if there is significant damage, or if the road is blocked.

Do not leave the scene before the police and other drivers have exchanged the information the law requires where you live.

2. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine

Adrenaline can hide pain, and some injuries such as whiplash, concussions and internal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. A medical record created soon after the accident also documents what happened to your body.

3. Collect information at the scene

• Names, phone numbers and insurance details for every driver involved
• License plate numbers and the make, model and color of each vehicle
• Names and contact details of any witnesses
• The police report number and the responding officer's name
• Photos and video of the vehicles, the road, traffic signs, skid marks and your visible injuries

4. Be careful about what you say

It is natural to say you are sorry, but avoid guessing about fault or saying you are not hurt. Stick to the facts you know and let the police report and the insurers sort out responsibility.

5. Notify your insurer and keep records

Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. Keep a folder, paper or digital, for medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, missed-work records and every letter or email about the claim.

6. Consider speaking with a lawyer before signing anything

Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement. Once you accept and sign a release, you usually cannot ask for more later, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than first thought. Many personal injury lawyers offer a free first consultation.