What Should I Do After an Accident?

Protect Your Health and Legal Rights

After an accident, your actions can greatly impact your health, safety, and ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do immediately and in the days following:

1. Call 911: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to report it and get a police or incident report.
2. Take Photos or Videos: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and anything else relevant. Gather names and contact information of any witnesses.
3. Move to Safety: If it’s safe to do so, move yourself and your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further injury or accidents. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
4. Exchange Information: Get the name, phone number, insurance details, and license plate number of the other party involved. Be polite, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.
5. Report the Accident: If it’s a car accident, notify your insurance company promptly. Provide basic facts, but don’t give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

Acting quickly and carefully after an accident preserves valuable evidence and strengthens your claim. Don’t delay in getting the medical and legal help you need.