5 Things to Do Immediately After an Accident

Written By Gréta Kieras

Key Takeaways

  • Safety first: Check for injuries, call 911 when needed, and move out of traffic if it is safe.

  • Document everything: Take your own photos and collect information from the other driver and witnesses.

  • Don't admit fault: Stick to the facts and avoid statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility.

  • Get medical care: Some accident injuries may not be obvious immediately.

  • Be cautious with insurance companies: Consider getting legal advice before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement.

A car accident can happen in seconds. One moment, you're driving to work, picking up your kids, or heading home. The next, you're dealing with damaged vehicles, injuries, police, and insurance companies. Unfortunately, what you do immediately after an accident can affect what happens next. Therefore, it's important to stay calm and take a few basic steps to protect yourself, your passengers, and your potential injury claim.

If you've been involved in an accident in California, here are five things you should do before you leave the scene.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

First, check yourself and your passengers. If anyone is seriously injured or there is an immediate danger, call 911.

If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic. However, don't put yourself or someone else in danger just to move a vehicle.

If police arrive, cooperate with them and provide the information they request. A police report can also become an important record of what happened.

Remember: Your safety comes first.

2. Exchange Information and Document Everything

Next, exchange information with the other driver. Get their:

  • Name and contact information

  • Driver's license information

  • Insurance information

  • License plate number

  • Vehicle information

Then, take your own photos and videos.

Don't assume the other driver will document the accident for you. Photograph the damage to every vehicle involved, the surrounding area, traffic signs, road conditions, and anything else that may help show what happened.

If someone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information as well. The more information you have, the easier it may be to understand what happened later.

3. Be Careful About What You Say

After an accident, emotions can run high. You may feel embarrassed, angry, or even convinced that the accident was your fault. Still, be careful about making statements about who caused the crash.

For example, avoid saying:

  • “I'm sorry.”

  • “I didn't see you.”

  • “I wasn't paying attention.”

  • “It was completely my fault.”

Instead, stick to the facts when speaking with police and the other driver. You don't need to determine fault at the scene.

4. Get Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine

One of the most common mistakes after an accident is assuming that you're not injured because you don't immediately feel pain.

After a crash, adrenaline can make it difficult to notice certain symptoms right away. As a result, some injuries may become more noticeable hours or even days later. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms, seek appropriate medical attention. Also, follow your doctor's recommendations and keep records of your treatment.

You don't have to look seriously injured for an injury to be real.

5. Think Carefully Before Speaking With the Insurance Company

Finally, be cautious when the other driver's insurance company contacts you.

An insurance adjuster may call soon after an accident and ask questions about what happened. They may also request a recorded statement.

Before providing a recorded statement or agreeing to a settlement, consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine what steps make sense for your situation.

Don't Let One Mistake Make a Difficult Situation Worse

Being involved in an accident is stressful enough without worrying about whether you are making the right decisions. However, taking a few simple steps at the scene can help protect you and preserve important information about what happened.

Most importantly, don't assume you have to figure everything out alone.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call Action Accident at (949) 860-7500 to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who has handled hundreds of cases similar to this one. It's time to take action! Based in Orange County, Action Accident serves clients throughout Southern California. Your first consultation is free.

FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident in California?

First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if necessary. Then exchange information, document the scene, and seek medical attention if you're injured.

Should I admit fault after an accident?

No. Even if you believe you caused the accident, avoid admitting fault at the scene. Stick to the facts and let the appropriate parties determine responsibility.

Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?

You should be cautious about speaking with the other driver's insurance company, particularly if they request a recorded statement. Consider speaking with a personal injury attorney first, and the attorney can handle speaking with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf. Remember: the other insurance company is there to protect their own client, not you.

Should I see a doctor if I don't feel injured after an accident?

Depending on the severity of the accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. This is true even if you don’t feel any pain right away. Some injuries aren't immediately obvious following a crash, so it's important to pay attention to how you feel afterward.

How soon should I contact a personal injury attorney?

There's no need to wait until your injuries become severe or the insurance company makes an offer. If you're dealing with injuries, significant property damage, or questions about fault, speaking with an attorney early can help you understand your options.

Gréta Kieras