Being in a car accident can be a frightening and disorienting experience. In the immediate aftermath, clear thinking and decisive action can protect your health and preserve your legal rights. This blog post will guide you on what to do if you’ve been injured in a car crash. Please note that this information is not a substitute for legal counsel.

Part 1: What To Do Right After a Car Accident

1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

• Breathe and stay focused.
• Check if you or anyone else is hurt.
• If there are injuries, call 911 right away.

2. Move to Safety (If You Can)

• If the cars can move, pull off the road.
• Turn on hazard lights.
• If you can’t move the car, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

3. Call the Police

• Always report the accident, even if it seems minor.
• Police reports are key for insurance and legal issues.
• Be honest, but don’t admit fault.

4. Swap Info with the Other Driver

Get these details:

• Full name and contact number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate
• Car make, model, and color
• Insurance company and policy number

If there are passengers, collect their names too.

5. Look for Witnesses

• Ask for names and contact info.
• Witnesses help back up your version of what happened.

6. Take Photos

Use your phone to snap:

• Damage to both cars
• Road, traffic signs, and weather
• Injuries (if safe to do so)
• Any skid marks or debris

7. Don’t Say Too Much

• Stay polite, but don’t blame or admit fault.
• Don’t say “I’m sorry,” even out of habit.

Part 2: After You Leave the Scene

1. Get Medical Help

• Go to the ER or urgent care, even if you feel fine.
• Some injuries take hours or days to show.
• Keep records of every visit and bill.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

• Report the crash right away.
• Stick to facts. Don’t guess or take blame.
• Give them your photos and the police report when you have it.

3. Get the Police Report

• Ask the police at the scene how to get it.
• Usually, it’s available online or at the station in a few days.

Part 3: What Insurance Covers (and Doesn’t)

1. Types of Coverage

• Liability: Pays for damage or injury you cause.
• Collision: Covers damage to your car.
• Comprehensive: Covers theft, weather, or animal damage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Helps if the other driver has little or no insurance.

2. File a Claim

• Contact your company or file through their app.
• Be ready with all documents: photos, police report, medical bills.

3. Dealing with Adjusters

• Adjusters check damage and decide what gets paid.
• Be honest, but don’t guess or agree to anything right away.
• You don’t have to give a recorded statement on the spot.

4. Repairs and Rentals

• Ask if your policy includes a rental car.
• Use a repair shop your insurer works with, or pick your own.
• Keep all repair invoices.

Part 4: What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Flees

1. Uninsured Drivers

• If you have uninsured motorist coverage, use that.
• If not, you may need to sue or pay out of pocket.

2. Hit-and-Run

• Give the police all details you can: car color, plate number, or what you saw.
• Your own policy may help if you have hit-and-run or uninsured coverage.

Part 5: When You Might Need a Lawyer

You should talk to a lawyer if:

• Someone was badly hurt or killed.
• The crash involved a commercial vehicle (like a truck).
• You’re getting blamed and don’t agree.
• The insurance company is lowballing or denying your claim.

Many lawyers offer con consultations. If you hire one, most work on a “no win, no fee” basis.

Part 6: Dealing with Injuries and Recovery

1. Track Your Health

• Keep a journal of pain or symptoms.
• Note how injuries affect your daily life.

2. Follow Doctor’s Orders

• Go to every appointment.
• Don’t skip treatment. It could hurt your claim later.

3. Emotional Impact

• Accidents cause stress, fear, or even PTSD.
• Talk to a counselor if needed.
• Don’t ignore mental health.

Part 7: Common Questions and Answers

Do I have to call the police for every accident?

Yes. Most states require you to report any accident with injury or major damage.

Can I move my car after a crash?

Yes, if it’s safe. This helps avoid other crashes.

Do I have to call insurance if it was a small dent?

Yes. Some states require you to report even minor accidents. Your policy may too.

Will my rates go up?

Maybe. It depends who was at fault, your record, and your insurer’s rules.

What if the accident was my fault?

You may still get help from your insurance if you have the right coverage.

Can I still sue even if I was partly at fault?

In many states, yes. Your payout may just be reduced based on your share of the blame.

How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit?

This varies by state. Often:

• Insurance: a few days to a few weeks
• Lawsuit: 1 to 3 years

Check your state’s rules.

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Part 8: Tips for Staying Prepared

• Keep a car accident kit: pen, notepad, flashlight, phone charger, first aid kit.
• Know your policy: print a copy or keep it in your glove box.
• Save your insurer’s contact info in your phone.

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Wrap-Up

Car accidents are hard, but staying calm and knowing what to do makes a big difference. Take care of your health, know your rights, and follow the right steps. When in doubt, ask for help—whether from a doctor, insurance agent, or lawyer.

Bookmark this guide. Keep it handy. You’ll be glad you did.

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What To Do After a Car Accident (U.S. Guide)

Car accidents are stressful. Even a minor crash can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do. This guide walks you through every step — what to do at the scene, who to call, how to deal with insurance, and what to expect later.

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Right After the Crash

1. Stay Calm and Stay Safe

• Breathe. Don’t panic. Stay focused.
• Check yourself, passengers, and others for injuries.
• If someone is hurt, call 911 right away.
• Don’t move injured people unless there’s a fire or danger.

2. Move to a Safe Spot (If You Can)

• If the cars still run, move them to the side of the road.
• Turn on hazard lights so other drivers can see you.
• If your car won’t move or it’s unsafe, stay inside and wait for help.

3. Call the Police

Even for small accidents, it’s smart to get a police report. It can help later with insurance or court.

• Call 911 and tell them if there are injuries or major damage.
• When officers arrive, tell them what happened. Be clear and honest.
• Don’t admit blame or guess what caused the crash. Stick to facts.

If police don’t come (in some minor fender-benders, they may not), go to the station later and file a report yourself.

4. Exchange Information

Swap the following with the other driver:

• Full name and phone number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate
• Insurance company and policy number
• Make, model, and color of the cars

Take a picture of their insurance card and license if they allow it.

5. Get Witness Info

• Ask bystanders if they saw what happened.
• Get their names and numbers.
• Their statements may help later, especially if there’s a dispute.

6. Take Photos of Everything

Use your phone to snap pictures of:

• Both cars, from all angles
• License plates
• Damage close-up and wide
• Road signs, traffic lights, and street names
• Skid marks, broken glass, or debris
• Weather conditions (rain, snow, fog)

Photos tell the story better than memory later on.

7. Don’t Admit Fault

Even saying “I’m sorry” could be seen as admitting guilt.

• Be polite but avoid blame.
• Let police and insurance decide fault based on facts.

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After You Leave the Scene

1. Get Medical Care

Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Injuries like whiplash, back pain, or brain trauma can show up hours or days later.

• Go to urgent care, your doctor, or the ER.
• Keep all records and bills.
• If you miss work, ask your doctor for a note.

2. Tell Your Insurance Company

Call them the same day or as soon as possible. Most require fast reporting.

• Give them facts — not guesses.
• Don’t admit fault.
• Share the police report when available.
• Upload photos and contact info you gathered.

Your agent will guide you on what’s next, like repairs and rental coverage.

3. Track All Costs

Start a folder or digital file with:

• Medical bills and prescriptions
• Car repair receipts
• Towing charges
• Lost income if you miss work
• Ride-sharing or rental car receipts

This info matters if you make a claim or take legal steps.

4. Get a Copy of the Police Report

Usually available within a few days. Ask the responding officer how to get it — some stations post them online. This report is key for insurance and legal matters.

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Insurance: What It Covers and What to Expect

Types of Coverage

Most U.S. drivers carry:

• Liability – Pays for the other driver’s damage and injuries if you’re at fault.
• Collision – Pays for your car, no matter who’s at fault.
• Comprehensive – Covers damage from theft, weather, animals, or vandalism.
• Uninsured/Underinsured – Covers you if the other driver has no or little insurance.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) – Helps pay your medical bills, no matter who caused the crash.

Claim Process

• File the claim online, by phone, or using your insurer’s app.
• An adjuster may inspect your car or ask for photos.
• They may ask questions — stay honest, but don’t speculate or guess.
• You don’t need to give a recorded statement on the spot.

Rental Cars and Repairs

• If your policy includes rental coverage, ask how to book one.
• You can pick your own repair shop, but insurers often recommend trusted ones.
• Ask about warranties and how long repairs should take.

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Special Cases

1. What If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene? (Hit and Run)

• Call 911 right away and tell them what you saw.
• Try to note the car’s make, color, or license plate.
• Your uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for damage or injuries.

2. What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

• If you have uninsured motorist coverage, file a claim with your own insurer.
• If not, you might need to pay for repairs yourself or sue the driver in court.

Legal Help: When You Should Talk to a Lawyer

You may not need a lawyer for a minor crash with no injuries. But it’s smart to get legal help if:

• You or someone else is badly hurt
• A death happened
• The crash involved a commercial truck or government vehicle
• You’re being blamed unfairly
• The insurance company denies your claim or offers way too little

Injury lawyers usually work on a “no win, no fee” deal — they only get paid if you get money.

Health, Recovery, and Mental Impact

Track Your Recovery

• Keep a journal of symptoms, pain, and daily struggles.
• Save all doctor’s notes and treatment plans.

Don’t Miss Appointments

Insurance companies watch for gaps in care. Skipping visits can hurt your claim and your health.

Mental Health Matters

It’s common to feel scared, anxious, or even depressed after a crash.

• Talk to someone — a therapist, friend, or doctor.
• PTSD is real after crashes, especially serious ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I always call the police?

Yes. Even for minor crashes, a report protects you if there’s a future dispute.

Can I move my car after an accident?

Yes, if no one’s hurt and the car runs. Move it out of traffic. If it can’t move, stay put and wait for help.

Do I have to tell my insurance if it was a small dent?

Yes. Even small claims can turn into big problems later.

Will my rates go up?

Possibly. It depends on who’s at fault and your past driving record.

Can I get money even if I was partly at fault?

In many states, yes. Your payout may just be reduced based on how much you were at fault.

How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit?

Claims should be filed within days to weeks. Lawsuits vary by state — usually 1 to 3 years. Check your state’s rules.

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Tips for Staying Prepared

• Keep a copy of your insurance card in your glove box.
• Store a phone charger, pen, notepad, and first aid kit in your car.
• Save your insurer’s phone number in your contacts.
• Review your coverage once a year to stay protected.

Car accidents happen fast. What you do next matters more than you think. Stay calm, get help, and protect yourself. The steps you take in the first hour, day, and week can shape how things go — from health to money to legal peace of mind.

Use this guide as your go-to resource. Print it. Save it. Share it. You won’t regret being ready.