What is the first thing I should do after a car accident?

CRUNCH! The sound is sickening, and the world stops for a second. Your heart drops, your hands start to shake, and your mind goes blank. Just a moment ago, it was a normal day, and now, in a matter of seconds, it’s chaos. A car accident is a frightening and overwhelming experience for anyone. Are you okay? First, take a deep, slow breath.

Almost no one knows exactly what to do next in a situation like this. But don’t worry, you are not alone. This article was created to help you protect yourself and navigate the situation calmly in the moments immediately following a crash. Ready to take the first step to protect your safety and your rights? Let’s walk through it together.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Step 1: Get Safe & Call 911: First, check on the safety of yourself and your passengers. If possible, move your car to the shoulder and call 911 immediately. You need police and medical professionals.
• Step 2: Gather Scene Evidence: Use your smartphone to photograph everything! The more photos, the better—vehicle damage, the overall accident scene, road conditions, and the other car’s license plate.
• Step 3: Be Careful with Your Words: Whether you’re saying “I’m okay” or “I’m sorry,” don’t say it! Adrenaline can mask pain, and a polite apology can be twisted to sound like an admission of fault.
• Step 4: Exchange Information: Exchange only the facts with the other driver: name, contact info, and insurance details. It’s best to avoid any arguments.
• Step 5: See a Doctor: Even if you feel fine right after the accident, you must visit a doctor to get a medical evaluation. There could be hidden injuries.

Step 1: Stop, Breathe, and Prioritize Safety!

The very first thing you need to do when an accident happens is ensure your safety. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget this simple rule when you’re in a state of shock. First, turn off your car’s ignition and turn on your hazard lights. If you or your passengers are seriously injured, it’s best not to move and to wait for paramedics to arrive. If you’re able to move and you’re on a busy road (just imagine I-5 in Tacoma!), it’s wise to carefully move your vehicle to a safe shoulder to prevent a second accident. Once you are safe, do not hesitate to call 911. Even if there appear to be no injuries and the vehicle damage seems minor, you must report it to the police. The Police Report will become the most important official document to support your claim when you later communicate with insurance companies or go through legal proceedings. Calmly explain your location and the situation to the operator.

Step 2: Turn Your Smartphone into an Evidence-Gathering Powerhouse

While you’re waiting for the police, you can become the most important evidence collector for your own case. Your smartphone’s camera is the tool for the job! Memories can fade over time, but photos prove what happened in that moment forever. Use the list below as a guide and take as many photos as you can:

• Vehicle Damage: Take detailed photos of the damage to your car and the other car from multiple angles.
• The Accident Scene: Take wide shots of the entire scene, including the positions of both vehicles, any tire marks (skid marks) on the road, and broken debris.
• The Surrounding Environment: Capture anything that shows the road conditions at the time of the accident, such as traffic lights, road signs, or construction zones.
• The Other Driver’s Information: It’s a good idea to politely ask to photograph the other driver’s license plate and insurance card. And don’t forget, if there are witnesses, politely approach them and get their contact information. A neutral statement from a witness can play a decisive role in revealing the truth of what happened!

Step 3: Watch Your Words: What Not to Say

You need to be very careful about what you say at the scene of an accident. Because of the adrenaline, you may not be aware of your actual injuries, and saying “I’m okay” or saying “I’m sorry” to ease the tension can be used against you later. Insurance companies will use these words as a basis to deny your medical payments or to place more of the fault on you. Exchange only the necessary information with the other driver and avoid any arguments or speculation about how the accident happened. It’s wise to leave all judgments to the police and the experts.

Finally, Prioritize Your Health and Protect Your Rights

Once everything at the scene is handled, the most important task remains: going to the hospital. Even if you feel okay right after the accident, you could start to feel severe neck or back pain a day or two later. Getting a doctor’s diagnosis is an essential step not only for your health but also for protecting your right to claim medical expenses later. Does this all feel complicated and difficult? Of course it does. That’s why professional help is so important. If you’ve been in a car accident in the Tacoma area and are looking for a professional who can be on your side through this complex process, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. You can compare the profiles and real client reviews of countless trusted local lawyers and start a consultation to get back what you’ve lost and protect your rights.

References

• Washington State Patrol – Collision Reports: Official information on how to request a copy of your accident report from the WSP. https://www.wsp.wa.gov/driver/collision-reports/
• Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.52.020) – Duty on striking unattended car or other property: The official state law detailing a driver’s legal duty to report an accident and exchange information. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.52.020