This is general information to help you stay safe and organized after a crash. It's not legal advice. For legal questions, talk with an attorney of your choice.
Do
Get checked
Even if you think your injuries are minor, or you don't hurt at all, get checked. You won't always feel an injury right away. If you have severe pain, a head injury or trouble breathing, call 911.
Call the police
A police report is an independent record of what happened. Don't let the other driver talk you out of calling.
Get witness contact information
If you can, get names and phone numbers of witnesses. Their account can matter if the other driver later disputes what happened.
Tell your insurance company
Let your own insurer know about the accident promptly, whether or not it was your fault. Telling them isn't the same as filing a claim. Many people choose to talk with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer.
Take pictures
Photograph the scene, the vehicles and license plates, the surrounding area and any visible injuries. Don't let anyone photograph your driver's license.
Consider whether you want an attorney
Insurance companies look after their own interests. Some people hire a personal injury attorney to look after theirs; whether to hire one, and who, is your decision. See questions to ask an attorney.
Don't
Don't move your vehicle unless it's dangerous
Unless your car is creating an immediate danger to traffic, leave it in place for the police, and follow their instructions.
Don't argue about fault
Don't debate the accident, admit fault or apologize at the scene. It's the police's job to determine fault, and there may be factors you aren't aware of. Exchange your name, driver's license number, insurance company and policy number, but you don't need to share your policy limits.
Don't leave the scene
Wait until the police say you can leave, even if you've already exchanged information. Leaving early can carry serious penalties.
One more tip: check your coverage
Look at your own policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage. They can help if the other driver has only minimum limits. Your insurance agent can explain your options.
If you were hurt, here's how car accident care works at our offices.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Our doctors are doctors of chiropractic (D.C.), not medical doctors. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.