Top 10 things to do if you’re in a car accident

  1. Call 911: Almost every single problem or risk you are exposed to in the first few minutes after an accident can be minimized by an official presence.
  2. Take care of yourself:  You have to take care of yourself first. You may not realize that you’re injured or even how severely. Depending on the status of the injuries, you may even go into shock.
  3. Stay in your car (if safe to do so):  If the other driver is freaking out, yelling, screaming, or menacing you, avoid talking and stay in your car until authorities arrive.
  4. Exchange information: The easiest way to do this to use your phone to take photos of the other driver’s license and insurance card. Then allow the other driver to do the same with your information.
  5. Determine if your car is driveable:  If everyone appears to be ok and you have exchanged information, you are then “free to go” and you don’t have to wait for police to arrive.
  6. Get your police officer’s name:  Ask for a business card, or take down the officer’s name and/or badge number.
  7. Snap some photos:  Use your phone to get pictures as well as video of damage to the cars, skid marks, the other driver and their license plate, and possible causes.
  8. Go to the emergency room:  Go to the emergency room as soon as you can and have professionals check you out for injuries.
  9. Contact your insurance company:  Most auto insurance policies require that you report any accident within 24 hours. In addition, you can find a contact number printed on your insurance card.
  10. Contact Joe: You wouldn’t go to a personal injury lawyer with your divorce, so don’t trust the handling of your personal injury case to the first one you find. Contact Joe for support through the process and advice on what to look for.
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