What Should I Do At the Scene of a Car Accident?

If you've been in a car accident, it can be hard to know what to do next. Staying calm and following the right steps is important because it can make a major difference in your recovery and help with your car accident claim.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers helps you through the process, making sure you get the compensation you deserve. After an accident, taking the right actions will help protect your health and your legal rights. It also ensures a smooth process for any claims you may need to file.
Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety
Your first priority after a car crash should be checking for injuries and ensuring safety. If you or anyone else is hurt, get medical help as soon as possible. Make sure everyone is out of immediate danger, especially if you’re on a busy road.
Once everyone is safe, take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from further harm. Some of the key things you need to do next are:
Assess Yourself and Passengers for Injuries
After a car crash, the first thing to do is assess your own injuries. Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately, take a moment to check for any pain, swelling, or cuts. Sometimes, injuries can show up later, so take this seriously.
Next, check on your passengers. Make sure they are also okay and see if they need any help. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. Get medical attention quickly to avoid further harm. Even if injuries seem minor, getting checked by a doctor will help with your car accident claim later.
Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If your car is in a dangerous spot, try to move it out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If your car won’t start or you can’t move it, stay inside the car and wait for help.
If possible, move to a safe area nearby to keep everyone out of harm's way. However, don’t leave the scene of the accident. Leaving could hurt your car accident claim, and it’s against the law.
Call 911 for Emergency Assistance
When an accident happens, you need to call the police right away. This ensures that help will be on the way, and the authorities can assist with any injuries or damage. They will create an accident report that can be crucial for your insurance claim.
Even if the crash seems minor, it’s always a good idea to call 911. Police reports help protect your rights, so don’t skip this important step. They can also serve as key evidence in your insurance claim or legal case.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver(s)
After a car crash, exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes getting details about their insurance, contact information, and vehicle registration. This will be helpful when you file an insurance claim or if you need to pursue legal action.
Make sure to get the other driver’s full name, address, phone number, and driver's license number. Also, ask for the insurance company’s name, policy number, and the vehicle's make, model, and license plate number. Don’t argue or admit fault at the scene. Just gather the necessary details politely and calmly.
If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. Their statements can be important for your car accident claim.
Collect Important Information
When exchanging information with the other driver, make sure to get the following details:
- Full Name and contact information: The driver’s name, address, and phone number.
- Driver’s license number: This confirms their identity.
- Insurance information: The insurance company name, policy number, and the driver's coverage details.
- Vehicle information: The make, model, color, and license plate number of the car involved in the crash.
- Accident report number: If the police were called, get the report number from the officer on the scene.
This information will be important for filing your car accident claim and can help when dealing with the insurance company or if the case goes to court.
What NOT to Say to the Other Driver
While exchanging information with the other driver, be careful with what you say. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, even if you think you may have caused the accident. Saying "I’m sorry" or "It’s my fault" can be used against you later in your car accident claim.
Don’t discuss your injuries or the accident details in depth at the scene. This can be used to reduce your settlement or deny your claim. Stick to the facts and only exchange the necessary information.
It’s also important not to talk about how the accident happened with the other driver. Keep things polite and respectful, but avoid engaging in long discussions about liability. Instead, focus on gathering the correct information and let the insurance companies and legal teams handle the details.
Document the Accident Scene

Documenting the accident scene is key for your car accident claim. It helps build a strong case and supports your version of events. The more evidence you have, the better.
A few of the important steps to take when documenting the scene include:
Take Photos and Videos
When you’re at the scene of a car crash, it’s essential to take clear photos and videos. These visual records can be crucial for your car accident claim. Start by taking wide shots of the entire scene, including the vehicles involved, nearby traffic, and any damage to property. Capture the position of the vehicles, as this can help show how the accident happened.
Next, get close-up shots of the damage to your car and the other vehicles. Be sure to document any visible injuries or signs of physical damage. If there are skid marks or other road conditions that may have contributed to the crash, take pictures of those, too.
Videos are also useful. A short video can capture the accident scene, showing things like traffic flow or weather conditions. These photos and videos help provide solid evidence for your car accident claim.
Gather Witness Contact Information
If there are any witnesses to the car accident, gather their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable statements about how the accident happened, which can help support your car accident claim.
Ask for their full name, phone number, and address. If they are willing, get a brief statement from them about what they saw. Stay polite and respectful when talking to witnesses, as their cooperation can be crucial.
Even if a witness doesn’t want to make a statement at the scene, their contact information can still be helpful later. Your car accident attorney can reach out to them if needed to gather more details.
Witnesses can help clarify the facts of the accident and strengthen your case, especially if there is a disagreement about fault. Make sure to gather all relevant information while you’re still at the scene.
Write Down Accident Details
After a car accident, write down all the details while they are still fresh in your mind. Note the exact time, date, and location of the crash. Be specific about where the accident happened, whether it was at an intersection, on a highway, or in a parking lot.
Also, describe the weather conditions, traffic signals, and any other factors that might have affected the accident. If there is any damage to property, mention that too. Include the make and model of all vehicles involved, along with their license plate numbers.
You should also write down any conversations you had with the other driver or witnesses. Having these details in writing will help you recall important information later, especially when speaking with your insurance company or a car accident attorney.
Report the Accident to the Police

It’s crucial to report a car accident to the police, even if the crash seems minor. Calling the police helps create an official record of the accident. This report can be used later for insurance claims or if you need to take legal action.
What to Tell the Police
When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, provide them with clear and honest information. Start by giving your details, including your name, driver’s license, and insurance information. Then, explain what happened, but stick to the facts. Avoid speculating about fault or making statements that could be misinterpreted later.
If you’re injured, tell the officer so they can record it in the accident report. The police will ask questions about the accident and answer them truthfully. However, avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later in a car accident claim.
The officer will write up an accident report, which will include the statements from all parties involved and any citations issued. Make sure to get a copy of the accident report, as it will be needed for insurance claims or potential legal action.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Notifying your insurance company about the car accident as soon as possible is essential. This starts the process of filing your insurance claim. By informing them right away, you ensure that your insurance policy covers any damages and medical expenses.
Your insurance company will need details about the accident to process your claim. Make sure to provide the information you gathered at the scene, such as the other driver’s insurance information and the police report.
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, report the accident. Some injuries take time to appear, and your insurance company needs to know about the crash early to help cover medical bills and repairs.
If you're unsure about what to tell your insurance company, consulting a car accident attorney can help. They can guide you through the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Call Your Insurance Provider
After the accident, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Your insurance agent will need to know the details of the accident to start your claim. Be ready to provide the information you collected, such as the police report, the other driver’s details, and any photos or videos of the scene.
Explain the situation clearly, but stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Your insurance company will assess the situation based on the information you provide and their investigation. They will also decide if your insurance policy covers the damages, injuries, or property damage caused by the accident.
Your insurance company may also assign an insurance adjuster to investigate the claim. They will review the evidence, talk to witnesses, and determine the amount your insurance company will pay for your medical expenses, repair costs, and other damages.
Understand Your Policy Coverage
Understand your insurance coverage when filing a claim after a car accident. Review your insurance policy to know what’s covered, including property damage, medical expenses, and any potential liability. Some policies may cover things like rental cars, while others may have limits on medical bills or property damage.
If you're unsure about what’s included, reach out to your insurance agent for clarification. Understanding your coverage helps set expectations for the claim process. It also ensures you know if you need additional coverage, like uninsured motorist protection, which can be important if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance.
In addition, knowing your coverage can help you decide if you need a personal injury lawyer. If your insurance doesn’t cover all the damages or medical expenses, an attorney can help you pursue a fair settlement from the other driver’s insurance company.
Seek Medical Attention

Getting checked by a doctor ensures that any hidden issues are addressed early. This will also help support your car accident claim and any future legal actions.
Get Checked Even If You Feel Fine
Even if you feel fine after the accident, getting checked by a doctor is critical. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.
If you wait too long to get checked, the insurance company might argue that your injuries weren't caused by the accident. Having a doctor’s report that documents your condition immediately after the accident strengthens your claim.
Even if your injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor allows you to stay on top of your health and helps with your medical expenses later. Always get checked to protect your health and ensure you have proper documentation for your claim.
Keep Medical Records and Receipts
After seeking medical attention, keep all medical records and receipts. These documents show the treatment you’ve received and any medical expenses you’ve paid. They will be necessary when filing your insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Make sure to keep track of all hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and prescriptions. Also, hold onto receipts for medical bills, medications, and any equipment you need for recovery. Having a detailed record of your medical expenses will help prove the extent of your injuries and the costs involved.
These records can also help if you need to negotiate with your insurance company or take legal action. They show the direct impact of the accident on your health and your financial well-being.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
After an accident, it’s a good idea to contact a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help guide you through the process of filing a car accident claim. They can also protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer can handle the details of your case, deal with the insurance company, and ensure that all your medical expenses and damages are covered. They can also help you understand your insurance policy and how to handle repair costs.
Having a car accident attorney by your side can take the stress out of dealing with a crash. They’ll ensure you don’t miss out on any benefits or compensation you’re entitled to.
FAQs
Should I contact my health insurance after a car accident?
Yes, you should notify your health insurance provider about the accident. Health insurance can help cover any medical costs not paid by auto accident insurance. Make sure to keep track of all medical expenses for your personal injury case.
What is bodily injury liability in a car accident?
Bodily injury liability is part of an auto insurance policy. It covers medical expenses and compensation for injuries caused to other people in a crash. If the other driver is at fault, their bodily injury liability insurance will help cover your medical bills.
What should I do if an accident involves multiple motor vehicles?
In accidents with multiple motor vehicles, gather all the information from the drivers involved. This includes their insurance details and contact information. It’s also helpful to get witness statements and a police report for your insurance claim.
How does the insurance industry handle car accident claims?
The insurance industry evaluates your claim based on the details you provide. This includes the police report, witness statements, and any damages to the vehicles. Insurance adjusters will assess the severity of the damage, injuries, and other factors to determine the compensation.
When should I call emergency personnel after an accident?
Call emergency personnel immediately after an accident if there are injuries or if the accident is serious. Emergency personnel will assess the situation, provide medical care, and file an accident report. Their report can be crucial for your personal injury case.
Contact Our Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you've been involved in a car accident, it’s essential to get legal help as soon as possible. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options. Our legal team is experienced in handling car accident claims, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
We will guide you through the entire process, from dealing with insurance companies to handling medical bills and repair costs. If needed, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to secure a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
Don’t wait — contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Let us protect your rights and work towards getting the compensation you need to recover fully.