Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident

The steps you take immediately after a car accident can be critical for protecting your injury claim.

Do:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel okay.
• Take pictures of your injuries, any vehicle damage, and the accident scene.
• Make a note of any environmental contributors, such as weather or road conditions.
• Ask responding law enforcement for a copy of the accident report.
• Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
• Obtain statements from eyewitnesses about accident details.
• Save all receipts from injury-related expenses, like hospital bills and prescription costs.

Don’t:

• Delay seeing a doctor.
• Exaggerate or downplay symptoms during physical examinations.
• Discuss your injuries or case in public forums like social media posts.
• Admit fault or use language implying fault, such as “my mistake” or “sorry.”
• Forget to notify your insurance company about the collision.
• Talk to the insurance company without an attorney.