A car crash happens in seconds, but the effects can last for months—or even years. You’re shaken up, maybe hurt, and suddenly dealing with insurance, medical bills, and car repairs. It’s overwhelming, and the choices you make right after the accident can seriously impact what happens next. If you do the wrong thing (or nothing at all), you could lose out on money you’re owed—or even get blamed for something that wasn’t your fault.
So, what should you do? Here’s a simple, step-by-step breakdown of what to do after a car accident to protect yourself, your health, and your legal rights.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Right after the crash, check yourself first. Are you hurt? If so, try not to move unless you’re in immediate danger. If you’re okay, check on any passengers. Then, if you can do it safely, see if anyone else involved in the accident needs help.
If someone is seriously injured, call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s still a good idea to get medical help. Some problems, like concussions or internal injuries, don’t show symptoms immediately.
Step 2: Move to a Safe Spot (If Possible)
If the accident is blocking traffic and your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road. If the car won’t start or it’s unsafe to move, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Standing in the road is extremely dangerous, especially on highways or at night. If you need to exit the car, do it carefully and move to a safe location away from traffic.
Step 3: Call the Police—Even for Minor Accidents
Even if the damage looks small, you should always report the accident to the police. A police report is solid proof of what happened, which can help with insurance claims and legal issues later.
When the officer arrives, stick to the facts. Don’t guess, exaggerate, or admit fault—even if you think you made a mistake. Just explain what happened as clearly as possible. If the police don’t come (which can happen in minor accidents), you may be able to file a report yourself at a local police station or online.
Step 4: Gather Evidence (It’s More Important Than You Think)
If you ever need to prove what happened, the more evidence you have, the better. While you’re waiting for the police, take photos and videos of:
- The position of the cars before they’re moved
- Any damage to vehicles or property
- Skid marks, traffic signs, or anything else that might show what happened
- Any visible injuries
Also, get contact information from the other driver, including their name, phone number, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and numbers too. Their statements could be valuable if the accident becomes a legal case.
Step 5: Get Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine
Right after a crash, your adrenaline is pumping, and you might not feel pain right away. But injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding can show up hours or even days later. That’s why it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you think you’re okay.
Getting checked out also creates a medical record, which is important if you end up needing to file a claim for your injuries. If you wait too long, insurance companies might argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident—or that they’re not serious enough to deserve compensation.
Step 6: Call Your Insurance Company (But Be Careful What You Say)
Your insurance company needs to know about the accident, but that doesn’t mean you should give them every little detail right away. When you call, stick to the basic facts: where and when it happened, who was involved, and what damage you can see.
Be careful not to say anything that could be used against you, like:
- “I think I was going too fast.”
- “I didn’t see them.”
- “I’m not really hurt.”
Even if you’re just trying to be honest, statements like these can be twisted to make it seem like you were at fault or not injured badly enough to deserve compensation.
Step 7: Talk to a Lawyer If Things Get Complicated
Some accidents are straightforward—you file a claim, insurance pays, and that’s that. But sometimes, things get messy. If the other driver is blaming you, if the insurance company is lowballing your claim, or if you were seriously injured, it’s smart to get legal help.
Experienced car accident lawyers with an office in Pittsburgh, or anywhere else for that matter who specialize in handling cases like this, can provide valuable guidance and representation to protect your interests. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and make sure you get the money you deserve.
Step 8: Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media
It might be tempting to vent about the accident online, but this is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Insurance companies and lawyers often check social media for anything that could be used against you. Even a simple post like “I’m okay” could be twisted to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Until everything is settled, keep accident-related details off social media.
Step 9: Keep Track of Everything
If you need to make a claim, the more records you have, the better. Keep copies of:
- Medical bills and doctor’s notes
- Repair estimates for your car
- Any letters or emails from insurance companies
- A personal journal about how your injuries are affecting your daily life
These records can help prove the full impact of the accident and make sure you get the compensation you need.
What Happens Next?
After a crash, it can take weeks or months to settle everything. Your car might need repairs, medical bills might pile up, and insurance companies will take their time figuring things out. If the process feels frustrating or unfair, don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether from a lawyer, a doctor, or even just a trusted friend.
The most important thing? Take action as soon as possible. The sooner you handle things, the better chance you have of protecting your health, your money, and your future.