July 22, 2026
You never wanted to be in a crash. You were looking forward to an ordinary day. Yet here you are – dealing with a wreck whether you want to or not.
Now what? What needs to happen after a crash? Should you call a lawyer right away?
These are common questions after a crash. Here, we walk you through key steps to take after an auto accident – including when to call an experienced attorney.
What to Do At the Scene
After a collision, your head is swimming. Cut through the noise with one thought: safety first.
Move out of the roadway if possible. Do not move anyone who is injured, however. Use your vehicle’s lights, flashlights, flares, or other bright-colored items to help alert other drivers that there’s a crash scene here.
If anyone is injured or the other driver left the scene, call the police. When you speak to police:
- Stick to the facts you know. Don’t admit fault, even if you think you caused the crash. You don’t know what the other driver did yet! Instead, focus on what you saw, heard, and felt. List the steps you took. If you don’t know, didn’t see, or can’t remember something, it’s okay to say that.
- Get a copy of the police report. Ask for contact information for the officer. Find out how to get a copy of the report. You will need it for insurance and any later legal claims you might need to make.
If you can, talk to others at the scene as well. Speak to the other driver if you can. Take a photo of their insurance card and driver’s license, or write down the information. Give your info to the other driver.
Take photos or video at the scene. Get photos of license plates, damage, and local landmarks. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information too.
In an emergency, get medical attention right away. Otherwise, plan to see a doctor as soon as possible. Call your family physician or head to an urgent care center or emergency room. Do this even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries take time to fully develop. Immediately after a crash, adrenaline can hide the fact that you’re hurt. Plan to see a doctor no matter what.
Once You Get Home
When you’re in a safe place again, call your insurance company. Report the accident to them. When you make your report:
- Stick to the facts. Again, focus on what you know and experienced. Don’t admit fault or blame the other driver. “I don’t know,” “I don’t remember,” or “I didn’t see that” are acceptable answers as long as they are accurate.
- Get the adjuster’s contact information. Write down the adjuster’s name and phone number. Also, write down the number assigned to your claim, if they have it. Make sure you know what to expect next from them, whether it’s a phone call, a letter, an email, or something else.
Finally, start a file for your information. Store your photos and info from the crash in a safe place – whether on paper or in a digital file. Consider making digital backups. If you have doctor’s paperwork, put that information in your file as well.
If you suspect the other driver was at fault, report the accident to their insurance company. If their insurance company refuses to work with you, contact your insurer.
Dealing With Car Repairs
Many insurance companies have a list of “preferred” body shops. You can take your car to any shop you choose, however.
Read the paperwork the body shop gives you before you trust your car to them. Keep copies of this paperwork in your file. Track estimates for repairs from the body shop or your insurance company. If you have to pay for a rental car, rideshare, or other transportation costs, keep copies of these bills or receipts as well. Take a screenshot of your rideshare app every time you use it to show what those rides cost.
When to Call a Lawyer
Not all car accidents need a lawyer. If you weren’t injured and your vehicle repairs are straightforward, you may be able to handle things yourself.
It’s time to call a lawyer when:
- You or someone else was injured – especially when injuries are severe.
- The other driver ran away from the scene.
- Insurance is delaying or denying your claim. This includes when you can’t seem to reach anyone at the insurance company, when their offers seem too low, or when they claim you don’t have coverage you believe you have.
- You have specific questions about your insurance policy or legal rights.
When in doubt, ask! Many attorneys, including the team at Gustin Law, offer free initial consultations. To learn more, reach out to us today.