What to Do After a Car Accident: Checklist

There is a doubt that the visual aspect of a checklist reinforces things you may tend to forget — especially in an emergency situation where there are confusion and uncertainty! Once you have located a resource page that makes sense to you, it’s always useful to download it to your device or print a copy for yourself. With this in mind, we have included both options at the end of this page. 

What to Do After a Car Accident

• Check for injuries if you are able; both for yourself and passengers.
• Call 9-1-1 to establish your location and medical or fire urgency. 
• Remain on the line with the operator if you can, until help arrives.
• Stay ‘in place’ if you have injuries or the impact was significant.
• Turn on the emergency blinkers; sound the horn if traffic gets close.
• If the accident is minor, pull over out of traffic as best you can.
• Always get a medical assessment (on-scene or during the same day).
• Never assume and make statements that you haven’t been injured.
• Stick to the facts, do not discuss responsibility with anyone.
• All drivers must show a valid drivers’ license, and proof of insurance.
• Obtain the investigating officer’s card with the case # notated.
• Call the insurance carrier to report the incident within policy deadlines.
• Contact a local personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation.

When it comes to a real-life situation, a free conversation with a personal injury lawyer is always a good move. Speaking with an established local accident attorney may very well determine whether or not you recover what you deserve. 

What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist 

Keep a hard copy of our checklist in your glove box, just in case your phone is lost or unusable after a traffic crash!