What You Should Do (and Not Do) Immediately After a Car Accident – A Step By Step Guide
Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming and disorienting. In those critical first moments, the actions you take, and don’t take, can significantly impact your safety, legal rights, and insurance claim.
This comprehensive checklist will guide you through exactly what to do after a car accident.
What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident:
Check for Injuries: Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, remember that adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms may appear hours or days later.
Move to Safety (If Possible): If your vehicle is drivable and blocking traffic, move it to a safe spot. In Florida and Texas, you must do this for property-damage-only accidents.
Turn On Hazard Lights: Immediately activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers and prevent additional collisions.
Call 911 for Injuries: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to ensure medical care and create an official record linking injuries to the accident.
Call the Police: Even for seemingly minor accidents, having a police report is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
- Florida: Report if damage appears to exceed $500
- Texas: Report if damage appears to exceed $1,000
Gather Driver Information: Collect the following from all drivers involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number and state
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, color, and license plate number
- Current address
Take Comprehensive Photos: Use your smartphone to document:
- All vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The entire accident scene, including street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions
- Skid marks, debris, or other evidence
- The final resting positions of all vehicles
- Visible injuries (but get medical attention first if serious)
- Weather and lighting conditions
- The other vehicle’s license plate and VIN number
Write Down Details: While events are fresh, note:
- Exact time and location
- Direction each vehicle was traveling
- Speed estimates
- Traffic signal and sign positions
- Weather and road conditions
- Your recollection of how the accident occurred
Record the Police Report Number: Ask the officer how to get a copy later.
- Florida: Request through local law enforcement or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Texas: Available through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System
Get Evaluated by a Medical Professional: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24 hours, serious injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms.
- Florida: Must seek medical treatment within 14 days to receive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance benefits
- Texas: Seeing a doctor promptly strengthens your claim, since insurers may argue delayed treatment means injuries aren’t serious.
Report the Accident Promptly: Contact your insurance company promptly, as delays can risk claim denial. Answer questions honestly, stick to the facts, and avoid speculating about fault.
What Not To Do After A Car Accident
1. Leave the Scene: It’s a Crime. A hit-and-run is illegal. If the crash involves injury, it is a felony in Florida. Stay put until released by police.
2. Admit Fault or Apologize: It Will Be Used Against You. Do not say, “I’m sorry,” “My fault,” or “I didn’t see you.” Stick to the facts when talking to anyone at the scene.
3. Decline Medical Care: Your health and claim are at risk. Adrenaline can mask pain, and refusing paramedic exams may harm your health and complicate future injury claims.
4. Accept Cash or Settle On-The-Spot: You don’t know the full cost. Hidden damage or delayed injuries can exceed a quick cash offer, let insurance evaluate the complete claim.
5. Post on Social Media: Insurance companies are watching. Avoid posting photos, details, or opinions about the accident, anything you share can be used against your claim.
6. Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Insurer: It’s not required. The other driver’s insurer isn’t on your side, decline recorded statements until you consult your attorney or agent.
7. Repair Your Vehicle Immediately: You Need Approval. Your insurance company must inspect and document the damage before any repairs are made.
8. Sign Anything Without Review: You could be giving up your rights. Never sign release forms, settlement checks, or insurance documents without fully understanding them, have a lawyer review first.
When to Contact an Attorney
United Law Group’s personal injury attorneys in Florida and Texas recommend consulting with a lawyer if:
- Anyone sustained significant injuries
- There’s a dispute about who was at fault
- The insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- The accident involved a commercial vehicle
- You’re facing a lawsuit from another party
- Your injuries have long-term or permanent effects
Our personal injury lawyers offer free consultations.
Your Quick Reference Checklist
At the Scene:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed
- Move to safety if possible
- Call police
- Exchange information with other drivers
- Document with photos and notes
- Get witness information
- Don’t admit fault
- Don’t leave the scene
Within 24 Hours:
- See a medical professional
- Notify your insurance company
- Begin organizing documentation
Within 10 Days:
- File required written reports (if applicable)
- Follow up on police report
Ongoing:
- Keep all medical records and bills
- Document recovery progress
- Follow medical advice
- Don’t post on social media
- Don’t accept quick settlements without review
Final Thoughts
Car accidents are stressful, but this checklist protects your health, rights, and finances. Florida and Texas have different insurance rules that affect your claim.
Key takeaway: Document everything, see a doctor, and get professional help if needed. Your safety comes first.
Keep this checklist in your car or on your phone.