What to Do After a Car Accident: Protecting Your Future
- Jordan D. Howlette
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 8
Table of Contents
A car accident can turn life upside down in an instant. The physical pain, emotional shock, and financial uncertainty that follow can be overwhelming. In those critical moments and days after the accident, every decision matters in preserving your financial recovery options through personal injury litigation.
Whether you’re seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, or protecting your legal rights, taking the right steps can make all the difference in your recovery—both physically and financially. This article outlines some of the more important considerations that everyone involved in an accident should be mindful of.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
Move to Safety If Possible
If your vehicle is drivable and in traffic, carefully move it to the shoulder or nearest safe location. However, if there are serious injuries or you suspect significant vehicle damage, leave the vehicles in place and prioritize safety.
Activate Warning Signals
Turn on hazard lights immediately. If you have reflective triangles or flares, set them up 50 feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
Check for Injuries
Quickly assess yourself and passengers for injuries. Even minor symptoms like slight dizziness could indicate serious conditions. When in doubt, call 911.
Document as Much of the Scene and Circumstances as Possible
Document Checklist: If you are physically able, take photos (and video) of:
All vehicles involved from multiple angles
License plates of all vehicles
Any visible injuries (with permission)
Any skid marks, debris, and property damage
Traffic signals or signs relevant to the accident
Road conditions and weather (wet roads, fog, etc.)
The broader accident scene showing vehicle positions
On your phone or on a notepad, jot down the weather conditions, time of day, and any other factors you believe may have contributed to the accident.
Do not forget about witnesses, including those who may have observed the accident. When possible, collect contact information from anyone who saw what happened. Be sure to obtain the other driver's name, address, phone number, license plate number, and insurance details. If police arrive at the scene, request the report number and the officer's name.
Even the smallest of details can become crucial pieces of evidence later. The more you document things at or near the time of the accident, the stronger your case will be when your attorney works to reconstruct what happened and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Medical Considerations
Your health should be the first priority after an accident. The adrenaline and shock of a crash can actually mask injuries, leading many people to believe they are fine when they actually are not. Internal injuries, whiplash, deep tissue injuries, and concussions might not feel severe right away but can have long-term consequences if left untreated.
Do not underestimate your injuries. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible ensures you receive the care you may need and creates the necessary medical paper trail for any potential injury claim.
Beyond physical injuries, the emotional toll of an accident can be just as serious. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress in the aftermath. Addressing mental health concerns with a professional is just as important as treating physical injuries. Mental health is physical health.
While financial recovery is important, your health and well-being comes first. A personal injury attorney can help recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but prioritizing your physical and mental recovery lays the foundation for rebuilding your life.
Do Not Debate Fault at the Scene and Limit Who You Talk To
What you say at the scene can substantially impact your ability to recover compensation. Admitting fault, even unintentionally, can be used against you later, potentially prohibiting any chance of recovery altogether. Stick to exchanging necessary information with the other driver and avoid discussing who caused the accident. Insurance companies are quick to use any statements against you as a means to reduce or deny your claim.
Be cautious about what you say to police officers and medical personnel. Answer questions honestly but try to avoid giving opinions about fault. Also, resist the urge to post about the accident online. Social media posts can be taken out of context and used against you. The best approach is to let your attorney control the narrative and protect your interests from the very start.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
When to Contact Insurance
Notify your insurance company within 24 hours of the accident, even if you were not at fault. Delaying notification could jeopardize your coverage.
What Information to Provide
Basic facts about when and where the accident occurred
Names and contact information of involved parties
Your policy number
Police report number (if available)
What to Generally Avoid
Speculating about what happened
Providing recorded statements without guidance
Accepting initial settlement offers without review
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney ASAP
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone.
Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts to protect their bottom line, not ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney can take over negotiations, preserve evidence, and build a case that fully accounts for your injuries and financial losses. Contact Justly Prudent and allow us to focus on your financial recovery while you focus on your physical and mental recovery. We work with personal injury victims in Maryland, Florida, and the District of Columbia to help them obtain the compensation they’re owed and deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Should I file an insurance claim if I am not at fault?
Yes, you should consider filing a claim with your insurance company even if you are not at fault. Your insurer can help navigate the claims process with the at-fault driver's insurance and provide coverage under your policy if needed.
FAQ 2: What are the three follow-up steps I should take after a collision?
Get prompt medical evaluation, even for seemingly minor injuries
Notify your insurance company within 24 hours
Document all accident-related expenses and communications
FAQ 3: What if the other driver is uninsured?
If the other driver is uninsured, you may be covered under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Contact your insurance provider immediately and consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to understand your options.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Justly Prudent or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this article without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
