- Michael Burry
- Sep 17, 2025
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6 million car crashes occur every year in the U.S. A car accident can turn your world upside down whether the injuries are minor or major. You may be injured, confused, and may be unaware of what to do next. You will be facing physical damage, emotional stress, insurance calls, and the paperwork. Further, the financial costs may be draining your expenses.
Your mind may be flooded with questions such as do you need medical help? Should you call the police? What to say to the other driver? You need to be careful about what you say and the facts you are revealing because it will affect the ability to recover the compensation at a later stage.
Therefore, it is important to stay calm, take the appropriate steps, and other legal help that is required. We break down the vital actions that you need to take after a car accident that will help to protect your rights, health, and injury claim.
7 Steps after A Car Accident and Injuries
1. Check for Injuries and Prioritize Safety
You need to immediately assess yourself for injuries and check for the passengers. If anyone is hurt seriously, you must call 911. You must request for medical assistance. You can move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent another crash.
H4 Quick Tip: Even if you have minor injuries, you need to get it checked by the doctor. It is because some symptoms such as whiplash and internal injuries may appear hours or days later.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
After you’re involved in an accident, always tell the police what happened and this is especially true if there is injury, death or damage to property. A police report is important evidence for insurance and legal claims.
Quick Tip:
Get the name and badge number of the officer, and the accident report number so you can ask for a copy later.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If possible, you must capture pictures of the following as it may help you in the claim process afterwards.
- Vehicle damage (all sides)
- License plates
- Road conditions and traffic signs
- Any visible injuries
- The overall scene (including debris, skid marks, etc.)
Further, you must also exchange the following important details with the other driver:
- Full name and contact info
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
Quick Tip:
You must have a look at the witnesses who are nearby. Try to get their contact details and names which may help to support your claim at a later stage.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault or Oversharing
Things you say at the scene could be used against you down the road. Even some phrases such as “I’m sorry” can be construed as an admission of fault. Limit yourself to stating facts when talking to police, the other driver and insurance company representatives.
5. Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media
You might be tempted to share on Facebook or Instagram, but don’t. Insurance companies and lawyers representing the other side can exploit your posts including photos and comments that are taken out of context.
6. Protect Your Legal Rights and Injury Claim
Before speaking and discussing your accident case with insurance adjusters, consider taking legal advice. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you:
- Navigate the claims process
- Handle insurer negotiations
- Assess the full value of your damages including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering
- Build a strong case with medical records, accident reports, and other evidence
7. Keep a Post-Accident Journal
As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the crash such as what was happening, who said what, what the weather was like, road conditions, you name it. Also keep records of:
- Medical visits and symptoms
- Days missed from work
- Emotional effects like anxiety or trauma
Quick Tip:
Save receipts for all accident-related expenses such as towing, prescriptions, and other important evidence that may help to prove your claim at a later stage.
Your Car Accident Checklist
- Call 911 for injuries and police assistance
- Exchange info with the other driver
- Take photos and speak to witnesses
- Avoid admitting fault
- Get medical attention even for minor pain
- Contact your insurer
- Speak with a car accident lawyer before signing anything
- Document everything such as accident details, medical care, and expenses
Involved in a car accident? Contact a lawyer
A car accident is an awful experience, but the right actions will be critical to your recovery and financial compensation. You don’t have to go through it all alone.
And if you’re confused about what to do next, or how to keep forward momentum in protecting your claim, you may want to discuss your situation with a car accident attorney local to you. They will work to gain an understanding of your rights and to secure compensation for which you are eligible.
It is difficult to remember each detail after the car accident. Therefore, we have created a free step-by-step car accident checklist that you can download and keep in your glovebox. This checklist will help you to move forward with your claim. Download Your Free Accident Checklist
FAQs About What to Do After a Car Accident
1. Should I call the police after a minor car accident?
Yes, always call the police to file an official report even after a minor accident. If you do not have any report, the insurance companies may even deny or minimize your claim saying that the accident was not severe enough to verify.
2. What evidence should I collect at the accident scene?
The evidence that you need to collect at the accident scene are to capture photos, gather witness info, and exchange details with the other driver to strengthen your case.
3. Can posting on social media hurt my car accident claim?
Yes, posting on social media hurt my car accident claim. It is because the insurance companies may use your posts against you, so avoid sharing accident details online.