Let’s be real—nobody expects to get into a car wreck. But they occur all the time. You could be coming home after a day at work, passing through the insane traffic of a busy city like Las Vegas, and the next moment, you could be involved in a collision. It’s shocking and stressful and, frankly, it’s just really scary. So, what do you do next?
Many people freeze or panic, which is totally normal. But having a good idea of what the next steps are can help you ground yourself and avoid a cascade of issues — such as insurance headaches or unwanted legal drama. So here’s a guide on what to do immediately after a car accident.
Step 1: Call 911— Yes, Even for Minor Crashes
You may be tempted to simply “work it out” with the other driver. But don’t do it. Always call the police first. Getting an official report can spare you a lot of headaches down the road.
Calling the police is a smart thing to do as it establishes a legal record of the accident. These reports come in handy when you file an insurance claim. If things end up in court, you’ll need that report.
When the officer arrives, provide accurate information. It needs no over-explanation — just straight facts. And don’t forget to request the report or at least the report number.
Step 2: Seek Legal Help If Things Get Complicated
Sometimes, determining liability is straightforward. But other times, it can be a complete long process— perhaps the other driver is blaming you, perhaps the insurance company is treating you unfairly, or perhaps you were injured and now have a ton of medical bills stacked up.
In situations like these, it’s smart to speak with a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas. A good lawyer can help with:
- Collaborating with insurance companies
- Determining the true value of your case
- Completing legal forms and keeping appointments
In cases such as these, companies such as Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys have assisted many with issues of this nature. You don’t have to struggle alone — getting help can be a game-changer.
Step 3: Trade Information with The Other Driver
All right, so you’ve called the police. If you have to wait, exchange information with the other driver — keep it sweet and polite. Now is not the time to debate who was right or wrong.
Here’s what to collect:
- Full name and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Name of the insurance company and policy number
- The vehicle make, model and color
You can write it, or just take pictures of everything. And avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault.” That can backfire later.
Step 4: Take a Ton of Photos
If your phone’s functioning, now’s when you put it to work. When it comes to insurance and legal matters, documentation is key.
Take pictures of:
- Damage to both cars
- The license plates
- The position of the vehicles
- Tire marks, shattered glass or any other debris
- Traffic signs, conditions of roads, and weather conditions
And also, write down the time and date. If bystanders are present, request their contact information as well.
Step 5: Speak With Your Insurance Company
Once you’re in a safe place and things have calmed down a bit, call your insurance company. Do it sooner rather than later because waiting too long can actually jeopardize your claim.
When you call, be ready to give them your policy number.
Here’s what to do in some simple steps:
- Swap information with the other driver
- Email or upload your photos
- Obtain the police report (if available)
Step 6: Consult a Doctor
This one part is extremely critical to know. Sometimes you think you’re okay immediately after an accident and then the pain hits days later. Whiplash, concussions or internal injuries can appear hours or even days later.
Here’s why you need to see a doctor as soon as you can:
- It helps protect your health (of course).
- It offers a medical record of the accident.
- It bolsters your case if you must seek compensation down the line.
Don’t skip this step. If you don’t know where to go, begin with an urgent-care clinic or your primary physician.
A car accident is one of those things that you never really expect to have to deal with, but when it does happen, you want to be prepared. So here’s a brief summary of how to do it right:
- Stay calm and stay safe
- Call the police
- Swap information politely
- Take lots of photos
- Don’t admit fault
- Contact your insurance provider
- Consult a doctor for your injuries
- Call a lawyer if needed
Honestly, it’s a lot. But doing these things can save you a heap of frustration down the line. Whether you’re just trying to fix a vehicle or heal from an injury, handling things correctly from the outset will go a long way toward helping you.
And just remember — you are not in this all by yourself. There are people who can help you navigate this mess. So lean on them. Ask questions. Get support. And take care of yourself.
