The First 5 Things You Must Do After a Car Accident in Tacoma

The jarring sound of impact, and in a flash, your familiar commute is a scene of chaos. A car accident is a shocking and disorienting experience for anyone. Adrenaline surges, your heart pounds, and your mind races with a thousand thoughts. But in this exact moment, the first few actions you take play a decisive role in protecting your health and your legal rights.

It’s okay, take a deep breath! This article is a clear guide to help you act calmly and wisely in the immediate aftermath of a crash. Let’s walk through the five things you absolutely must do, step by step.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• 1. Prioritize Safety & Call 911: First, check on the well-being of yourself and your passengers and prevent a second accident. Even if you feel uninjured, you must call 911 to get an official police record.
• 2. Document Everything: Your smartphone is your best evidence-gathering tool. Take photos of everything possible: vehicle damage, the entire accident scene, road conditions, and more.
• 3. Exchange Information (Facts Only): Without debating, exchange essential information with the other driver, including name, contact details, and insurance info.
• 4. Watch What You Say: Never say “I’m sorry” or “I’m okay.” These statements can be used against you later.
• 5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel pain, visit a doctor for an evaluation. Accident injuries can often take days to appear.

1. Prioritize Safety & Call 911: Where It All Begins

Your number one job after a crash is ensuring your survival and safety. Check if you and your passengers are okay. If your vehicle is in the middle of the road, try to move it to a safe shoulder to reduce the risk of a second collision, if possible. Be aware of traffic when exiting your vehicle! Once you are safe, do not hesitate to call 911. The Tacoma police will arrive at the scene and file an accident report. This official police report plays an incredibly important role as objective evidence in your insurance claim. Never think, “It was just a minor accident, it’ll be fine!”

2. Document Everything: Your Smartphone is Your Best Witness

While waiting for the police, you can gather the most powerful evidence to protect your rights. Pull out your smartphone and start taking pictures. The more, the better. Memories can become distorted, but photos tell the truth of the moment.

• Vehicle Damage: Take detailed photos of the damage to your car and the other car from multiple angles.
• The Accident Scene: Capture wide shots of the scene, including the final positions of the vehicles, any tire skid marks on the road, and surrounding traffic signs or signals.
• Witnesses: If anyone saw the accident, politely get their contact information. A neutral witness statement is invaluable.

3. Exchange Information (But Only the Facts)

Under Washington State law, drivers involved in an accident are obligated to exchange information. However, you must avoid emotional conversations or debates about what happened. Politely and concisely exchange only the essential information below:

• The other driver’s name, address, and phone number
• Their insurance company and policy number
• Their vehicle’s license plate number and model The most accurate way to do this is to take a clear photo of the other driver’s license and insurance card.

4. Be Careful with Your Words: Silence Protects You

Words spoken carelessly at the scene can become a chain that ties you down later. There are two phrases in particular that you must avoid at all costs.

• “I’m sorry”: Even if it’s just a polite gesture, legally, it can be interpreted as an admission of fault.
• “I’m okay”: You may not feel pain right after the crash due to adrenaline. If you say you’re fine but an injury is discovered later, the insurance company will try to use your words to deny payment for your medical treatment.

5. Get a Medical Evaluation (Even if You Feel Fine!)

Once you have handled everything at the scene, the most important task is left: go to a hospital, urgent care clinic, or your doctor as soon as possible. Injuries like whiplash or a concussion often don’t present symptoms for hours or even days. Getting a medical diagnosis not only protects your health, but it also creates a crucial medical record that proves your injuries were a result of the accident.

Following these five steps calmly is the surest way to protect your health and your rights in the chaos after a crash. Once you have handled these immediate priorities, the next step is to get your situation reviewed by a professional.

If you are looking for a trusted car accident lawyer in the Tacoma area, start your search at the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. You can compare the profiles of countless vetted local professionals, backed by real client experiences from Google Reviews, and take the first step toward reclaiming 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 in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property: The official state law detailing a driver’s legal duty to stop, render aid, and exchange information after an accident. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.52.020
• MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital: An example of a major local hospital for seeking immediate medical attention after an accident in Tacoma. https://www.multicare.org/location/tacoma-general-hospital/