A car accident can be stressful and confusing, especially when you are injured or your vehicle has been seriously damaged. In the moments and days after a collision, the decisions you make can affect your health, your insurance claim, and your ability to pursue compensation.
Knowing what steps to take can help you protect yourself and preserve important information about what happened.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority after a collision should be safety.
If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 and request medical assistance. Even if your injuries appear minor, it is important to take them seriously. Some injuries may not become obvious until hours or even days after an accident.
If emergency personnel recommend medical treatment, follow their instructions and keep records of your care.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If the vehicles can be safely moved and doing so will not put anyone at additional risk, move them out of the flow of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and remain in a safe location while waiting for police or emergency personnel.
If you or someone else is seriously injured, or the vehicles cannot be moved safely, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders.
3. Exchange Information
If it is safe to do so, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
Useful information may include:
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s license information
- Insurance company and policy information
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
- Contact information for witnesses
Avoid arguing about who caused the accident or making statements about fault.
4. Document the Accident
If you can safely do so, photograph:
- The vehicles and damage
- The accident scene
- Traffic signs and signals
- Road conditions
- Visible injuries
- Other factors that may have contributed to the crash
Write down what you remember while the details are fresh.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries do not immediately produce noticeable symptoms. Follow up with a medical professional if you experience pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness, stiffness, or other symptoms.
Keep copies of your medical records, bills, prescriptions, and other treatment documentation.
5. Be Careful With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may contact you shortly after an accident.
Provide accurate information, but avoid guessing about what caused the crash or minimizing your injuries. Before accepting a settlement, make sure you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses.
6. Keep Track of Your Losses
Keep records of:
- Medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Transportation expenses
- Other accident-related costs
These records can help document the financial impact of the collision.
7. Consider Speaking With an Attorney
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident and you were injured, you may have a personal injury claim.
An attorney can investigate the collision, evaluate liability, communicate with insurance companies, assess your damages, and explain your legal options.
At Pritchett Personal Injury Law Firm, we help individuals and families in Omaha and throughout Nebraska understand their options after serious accidents.
Contact Pritchett Personal Injury Law Firm
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, contact Pritchett Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.
We can review what happened and help you understand the potential next steps. Every accident is different, and your options depend on the specific facts of your case.