What Would a Person Do at The Scene of A Car Wreck?
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The following information is a general guideline and will depend on different factors that affect your specific circumstances. However, following these steps could help reduce liability for the accident and may help to keep you safe.
Dial 911

After you have been involved in a car wreck, the first thing to do after you have been involved in a car wreck is to evaluate yourself and the extent of any injuries. Are you able to move? Are you able to reach for your phone? How are the other passengers in your vehicle?
If you can safely get out of your car, you must check on the other driver involved and any passengers that may have been involved.
Next, you must dial 911 so law enforcement can come out to file a police report. An ambulance will be sent for victims who need medical attention. If you cannot get out of your vehicle, then try to get the attention of someone who can call law enforcement for you.
Exchange Information
After any car wreck, you must exchange the following information between the drivers:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Driver’s license number
- Car insurance information
It is advised not to talk about the accident with the other driver or speculate how it happened. You also do not want to accept blame for the accident or accuse the other driver of causing it. Instead, you should hire a Car Accident lawyer who will investigate your case.
Take Pictures
Photos are concrete evidence of the accident and paint a picture for the insurance company and the judge to understand what happened. When you take pictures, you should include the tag for both vehicles. You should also take photos of the scene of the accident and any contributing factors such as:
- Any nearby construction
- Nearby traffic signals
- Nearby speed limit signs
- Any factors that could have contributed to your accident, such as wet roads, obstructions in the street, etc.
Ideally, you will take wide-angle photos and close-up shots that show the details of the extent of the damage.
Suppose you have a cell phone on you during the accident. In that case, it is also advised to take videos that show details such as which side of the car was impacted, the date and time of the accident, any skid marks or property damage, as well as street names and the direction each vehicle was headed at the time of the accident.
You can also save these details in voice memos or in notes on your phone. This information is critical for an accident reconstructionist who could be called into your case to provide their expertise in a testimony.
In addition to pictures of the accident scene, you will want to take photos of your injuries. Throughout the following days and weeks, you will also want to continue taking pictures of your injuries as they heal or worsen, depending on the case.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
The steps listed above take precedence over hiring an attorney, but it is important to start looking for representation as soon as you are released from the hospital.
Most personal injury attorneys offer free case evaluation. Victims have a right to interview with different personal injury lawyers after their car wreck to find the one who has the compassion and experience to help them recover damages and receive the settlement that they deserve from their car wreck.
The sooner you hire a car accident lawyer in the area where your accident occurred, the better.
Continue With Follow-Up Care
After you have received medical attention, you may be required to attend follow-up appointments with a physician. It is critical to participate in these appointments and provide your personal injury attorney the necessary documentation. Even minor injuries, such as whiplash, will require follow-up care.