What Should You Do First After a Car Accident?
Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What’s the first thing I should do after an accident?”
Here are the key steps we recommend to protect both your health and your case.
1. If You Can, Take Photos at the Scene
If you are physically able:
- Take pictures of your vehicle
- Take pictures of the other vehicle
- Capture the scene and any visible damage
But if you are hurt, your priority is your health, not photos.
2. Get Medical Care Immediately
Your health comes first. Always.
- Go to the emergency room if needed
- Visit urgent care if symptoms develop later
- Follow up with a treating physician as soon as possible
The key is no delay in treatment.
Gaps in care can:
- Make injuries worse
- Be used by insurance companies to argue you were not seriously hurt
3. Continue Treatment Without Gaps
After your initial visit:
- Get into a regular treatment plan
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Stay consistent
This helps both your recovery and your case.
4. Choose the Right Attorney
Take time to find a lawyer who fits you.
- Look at their website
- Speak with their office
- Read reviews and feedback
Once you find someone you trust, getting guidance early can make a big difference.
5. Don’t Get Overwhelmed
After an accident, you may hear from:
- Insurance companies
- Body shops
- Medical providers
It can feel like a lot all at once.
Focus on:
- Your medical care first
- Then the car and insurance issues
If things feel overwhelming, that is often a sign you should get help.
6. Handle Property Damage Carefully
You can set up a claim for your vehicle damage using:
- The insurance information exchanged at the scene
- The accident report
If you speak to the insurance company:
- Only discuss vehicle damage
- Do not discuss injuries or fault
Better yet, have a law firm handle this for you to avoid issues.
Final Thoughts
The first steps you take after an accident can shape everything that follows.
Focus on:
- Getting proper medical care
- Avoiding delays
- Protecting your rights early
You can request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
Or visit:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/
In pain? Call Shane.
📞 980-999-9999
