First steps after a crash
Safety and health come first. If anyone is hurt, call 911. Get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine; some injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, may not show symptoms straight away.
- Move to a safe place if you can, and turn on your hazard lights.
- Exchange names, contact and insurance details with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions and any visible injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
What to keep track of
- Police report number
- Medical visits, bills and receipts
- Photos and dashcam video
- Time off work and lost pay
- Insurance claim numbers and letters
- A simple diary of pain and recovery
Dealing with insurance
Most auto policies require you to tell your insurer about a crash promptly. The other driver's insurer may also contact you. Many people choose to speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement or signing anything.
No-fault states. Some states use a no-fault system, where your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays certain medical costs first, whoever caused the crash. Your policy and your state's rules decide what applies.
Deadlines and state rules
Every state sets a deadline, often called a statute of limitations, for bringing an injury claim. Deadlines differ by state and by type of claim, and claims involving government vehicles can have extra notice rules. If you're unsure, it is sensible not to wait.
When people talk to a lawyer
People often speak with a personal injury lawyer when injuries are serious or long-lasting, when fault is disputed, when a commercial or rideshare vehicle was involved, or when the other driver had little or no insurance. Only a licensed attorney can advise you about your situation.
Want a firm to look at your situation?
Request a free case review. It takes a few minutes and there's no obligation.
How our service works
Compensation & Care is not a law firm. If you send a request, we pass it to a participating law firm that handles car accident matters in your state. Participating firms pay to advertise with us. We don't evaluate your claim or recommend a particular lawyer, and a firm may or may not contact you.
Car accident FAQ
Is the case review really free?
Yes. Sending a request through Compensation & Care is free. If a participating firm offers to represent you, it must explain its fees before you agree to anything.
Do I need a police report?
Not to send a request. If police came to the scene, note the report number; a lawyer or insurer may ask for it later. Reporting rules for crashes vary by state.
What if I was partly at fault?
Rules on shared fault differ from state to state. A licensed attorney in your state can explain how they might apply to your situation.
What if the other driver had no insurance?
Your own auto policy may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Check your policy documents or ask your insurer, and mention it if a firm contacts you.
How long do I have to act?
Every state sets deadlines for injury claims, and they differ by state and type of claim. Some are short, so it's sensible not to wait.
Will a lawyer definitely contact me?
Not always. A participating firm decides whether it can help. If a firm contacts you, you decide whether to continue.