Hurt Advice: What to Do After an Accident - Your Next Steps Checklist

• ✓Safety and health come first - check for injuries and call 911 if needed
• ✓Document everything at the scene: photos, witness info, other party details
• ✓Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor - some take time to appear
• ✓Report to insurance but be careful with recorded statements
• ✓Understand your options before accepting any settlement offers

The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful. Your mind races, adrenaline pumps, and it is hard to think clearly about what you should do. Having a clear checklist helps you take the right steps even when you are shaken. What you do - and do not do - in the hours and days following an accident can significantly impact any future claim. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist for California accident victims, organized by timeframe so you know exactly what to do and when.

• ✓Scene safety and immediate medical needs take priority over everything
• ✓Thorough documentation at the scene provides crucial evidence
• ✓Medical attention within 24-72 hours is important even for seemingly minor injuries
• ✓What you say to insurance companies matters - be factual, not speculative
• ✓Do not rush decisions about settlements or signing documents

**1. Check for Safety** - Move to a safe location if possible and if it will not worsen injuries - Turn on hazard lights - Set up flares or warning triangles if available **2. Assess Injuries** - Check yourself and passengers for injuries - Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage - Do not move seriously injured people unless there is immediate danger **3. Exchange Information** Collect from all parties involved: | Information Needed | Details | |-------------------|---------| | Name and contact | Phone, address, email | | Insurance info | Company, policy number | | Driver's license | Number, state | | Vehicle info | Make, model, color, plate | | Location | Address or cross streets | **4. Document the Scene** - Take photos of all vehicles from multiple angles - Photograph damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signs - Capture weather and road conditions - Get wide shots showing the overall scene **5. Get Witness Information** - Ask bystanders if they saw what happened - Collect names and phone numbers - Witnesses can provide valuable independent accounts

**Do Not Admit Fault** Even if you think you might have contributed to the accident, do not admit fault at the scene. You may not have full information, and statements can be used against you later. Stick to facts. **Do Not Apologize Excessively** Saying "I am so sorry this happened" out of politeness can be twisted into an admission. Simple factual exchanges are safest. **Do Not Argue** Even if the other party is clearly at fault, arguing accomplishes nothing and can escalate the situation. **Do Not Leave the Scene** Leaving an accident scene can result in criminal charges. Stay until you have exchanged information and police have released you (if they respond). **Do Not Refuse Medical Attention** If paramedics suggest you need evaluation, accept it. Refusing can hurt both your health and any future claim.

**Seek Medical Attention** Even if you feel fine, get evaluated. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately: - Whiplash may take 24-48 hours to manifest - Internal bleeding can be symptom-free initially - Concussion symptoms may be delayed - Soft tissue injuries often worsen before improving **Report to Your Insurance Company** Most policies require prompt reporting. When you call: - Stick to facts (time, place, what happened) - Do not speculate about fault or injury extent - Do not agree to recorded statements without preparation - Do not accept settlements immediately **Obtain the Police Report** If police responded, get a copy of the report. It typically contains: - Officer observations - Statements from parties - Preliminary fault assessment - Diagram of the accident **Scenario: Delayed Symptoms** Mike felt fine after a rear-end collision and told the other driver's insurance he was not hurt. Two days later, he developed severe neck pain diagnosed as whiplash. His initial statement complicated his claim. Always get checked and avoid definitive statements about injuries early on.

**Start Your Documentation System** Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) containing: - Accident photos and videos - Police report - Insurance correspondence - Medical records and bills - Receipts for any expenses - Notes about how you are feeling **Track Your Injuries** Keep a daily journal noting: - Pain levels (scale of 1-10) - Activities you cannot do - Sleep disruptions - Emotional impacts - Medications taken **Follow Medical Advice** Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans. Gaps in treatment can be used to argue your injuries were not serious. **Research Your Options** Understand what help is available: - Free case reviews - Educational resources like HurtAdvice.com - Your rights under California law **Do Not Post on Social Media** Insurance investigators may monitor your accounts. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted.

**Continue Medical Treatment** Do not stop treatment just because you are feeling better. Complete the recommended course. **Document Lost Wages** If you missed work: - Get a letter from your employer - Keep pay stubs showing normal earnings - Track sick days or PTO used **Handle Insurance Communications Carefully** | Do | Do Not | |-----|-------| | Report the accident factually | Speculate about fault | | Provide basic information | Give detailed recorded statements without prep | | Ask for claim numbers in writing | Accept verbal promises | | Take notes on all calls | Rush to settle | **Consider Professional Guidance** If your injuries are serious or the process is overwhelming, a free case review can help you understand your options. **Scenario: The Quick Settlement Offer** Two weeks after her accident, Linda received a $3,500 settlement offer from the other driver's insurance. She was still in pain and had not finished treatment. Accepting would have meant she could not seek additional compensation when her treatment ended up costing $15,000. Taking time to understand the full impact before settling protects your interests.

**California Statute of Limitations** For most personal injury claims in California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However: - Claims against government entities typically require action within six months - Some situations may toll (pause) or shorten deadlines - It is best to understand your specific deadline early **Insurance Deadlines** Your own policy may have reporting deadlines. Check your policy or ask your agent. **Medical Records Requests** Request copies of all medical records related to your treatment. You are entitled to these records. **Ongoing Documentation** Continue documenting as long as your injuries affect you: - Update your pain journal - Keep all new medical records - Track ongoing expenses - Note any permanent limitations

**Should I call the police for a minor accident?** In California, you must report accidents with injuries or deaths to the DMV. For property damage over $1,000, reporting is also required. Having a police report can help even for minor accidents. **What if the other driver does not have insurance?** Your own uninsured motorist coverage may help. Document everything and explore your policy options. **Can I see my own doctor instead of the ER?** Yes, seeing your regular doctor within 24-72 hours is often fine if injuries do not require emergency care. The key is getting evaluated promptly. **What if I feel fine but my car is damaged?** Still document everything and consider getting checked. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. **Should I accept the insurance company's repair shop?** You generally have the right to choose your repair shop. Get your own estimate if the insurance estimate seems low. **What if I cannot afford treatment?** Options include your health insurance, MedPay coverage, medical liens, or providers who work with injury patients. **How do I get a copy of the police report?** Contact the law enforcement agency that responded. Most have online or in-person request processes. **What if the other driver's story differs from mine?** This is why documentation matters. Photos, witness statements, and physical evidence help establish what happened. **Can I still file a claim if I did not call police?** Yes, but it may complicate proving what happened. Document everything you can. **What if my injuries seem minor?** Minor-seeming injuries can become significant. Document everything and follow up if symptoms persist or worsen.

**AT THE SCENE:** - Ensure safety, move if necessary - Check for injuries, call 911 if needed - Exchange information with all parties - Take photos of everything - Get witness names and numbers - Do not admit fault - Accept medical attention if offered **WITHIN 24-72 HOURS:** - Seek medical evaluation - Report to your insurance company - Request police report - Start documentation folder - Begin injury journal **FIRST WEEK:** - Follow medical treatment plan - Gather all documentation - Avoid social media posts about accident - Research your options - Consider free case review **FIRST MONTH:** - Continue all treatment - Document lost wages - Keep all receipts and records - Do not rush to settle - Understand applicable deadlines **ONGOING:** - Complete treatment recommendations - Update documentation - Track long-term impacts - Know your deadline dates

Following this checklist helps protect both your health and your potential claim. If you have been in an accident and are not sure what to do next, a [free case review](/contact) can provide personalized guidance. To understand what compensation might include for your injuries, read our guide on [what compensation can include after an accident](/blog/what-compensation-can-include-after-accident). Learn about California-specific rules and deadlines in our [California injury claims 101 guide](/blog/california-injury-claims-101). Visit [HurtAdvice.com](/) for more resources and tools to help you through this process.

**Disclaimer** This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every injury claim is different, and laws can change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation. HurtAdvice.com provides educational resources and claim assistance tools - we do not practice law or guarantee any outcomes.