📌 Important: Being in a car accident is stressful. This checklist will guide you through every step to protect your rights and ensure you get fair compensation. Bookmark this page or print it for your glove box.
⏰ IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (First 5 Minutes)
🚨 Critical First Steps
These actions must be taken immediately at the scene. Your safety and legal protection depend on them.
1. Check for injuries - Check yourself, passengers, and others involved. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
2. Move to safety - If vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder. Turn on hazard lights.
3. Call the police - Even for minor accidents. You need an official police report for insurance claims.
4. Do NOT admit fault - Don't say "I'm sorry" or "It was my fault." Stick to facts only.
5. Exchange information - Get driver's license, insurance info, license plate numbers from all parties.
📸 DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
📱 Use your smartphone to gather evidence: The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.
Take photos from multiple angles - Vehicle damage (all sides), license plates, street signs, traffic signals, skid marks, debris.
Record video - Walk around the scene describing what happened. Capture the overall scene context.
Get witness information - Names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Ask if they saw what happened.
Note weather and road conditions - Was it raining? Was the road wet? Time of day? Lighting conditions?
Get the police report number - Ask the responding officer for the report number and where to obtain a copy.
🚫 WHAT NOT TO DO
⛔ Never Do These Things:
- ❌ Don't leave the scene before police arrive (unless you need emergency medical care)
- ❌ Don't admit fault or apologize - this can be used against you
- ❌ Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without consulting a lawyer
- ❌ Don't accept the first settlement offer - it's usually much lower than what you deserve
- ❌ Don't post on social media - insurance companies monitor your accounts
- ❌ Don't sign anything without reading it carefully or consulting an attorney
- ❌ Don't delay medical treatment - see a doctor within 24-72 hours even if you feel fine
📋 AFTER LEAVING THE SCENE
Within 24 Hours:
Report to your insurance company - Call them to report the accident, but be brief. Stick to basic facts.
See a doctor - Even if you feel fine. Some injuries (whiplash, concussions) appear days later.
Write down everything you remember - Details fade quickly. Document what happened while it's fresh.
Within 72 Hours:
Obtain the police report - Contact the police department to get a copy of the accident report.
Keep all medical records - Save receipts, prescriptions, doctor's notes, and treatment plans.
Contact a car accident lawyer - Most offer free consultations. Get legal advice before talking to other insurance companies.
Ongoing:
Follow all medical treatment - Attend every appointment. Gaps in treatment hurt your case.
Track all expenses - Medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, rental car costs, medications.
Keep a pain journal - Document your daily pain levels, limitations, and how the accident affects your life.
🗺️ STATE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Insurance Company Tactics
The other driver's insurance company is NOT your friend. They will:
- Call you within hours trying to get a recorded statement
- Offer a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Use anything you say against you to deny or reduce your claim
- Monitor your social media for evidence to devalue your claim
💡 BEST PRACTICE: Say "I need to speak with my attorney before giving any statements" and contact a lawyer immediately.
👨⚖️ WHEN TO HIRE A LAWYER
Consider hiring a car accident lawyer if:
- ✅ You suffered serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
- ✅ The accident resulted in permanent disability or disfigurement
- ✅ Fault is disputed or unclear
- ✅ Multiple parties were involved
- ✅ The insurance company denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement
- ✅ You lost significant income or your ability to work
- ✅ The accident involved a commercial vehicle or government entity
💰 Most car accident lawyers work on contingency (no upfront fees - they only get paid if you win).
⏳ TIME LIMITS TO FILE A LAWSUIT
⏰ Don't Wait Too Long!
Every state has a "statute of limitations" - a deadline to file a lawsuit. If you miss it, you lose your right to compensation forever.
Common Time Limits by State:
- California: 2 years from accident date
- Texas: 2 years from accident date
- Florida: 4 years from accident date
- New York: 3 years from accident date
- Illinois: 2 years from accident date
⚠️ Note: These are general guidelines. Specific circumstances may shorten or extend these deadlines. Consult a lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
💡 FINAL TIPS FOR MAXIMUM COMPENSATION
Be patient - Don't rush to settle. Wait until you reach "maximum medical improvement" to know the full extent of your injuries.
Keep everything organized - Create a folder (physical and digital) with all accident-related documents.
Follow doctor's orders - Skipping appointments or not following treatment plans weakens your case.
Be honest - Never exaggerate injuries or lie about pre-existing conditions. It will destroy your credibility.
Don't talk about the case - Avoid discussing your accident or injuries on social media, with friends, or with anyone except your lawyer.
📞 IMPORTANT CONTACTS
🚨 Emergency
911
🚗 Your Insurance
(Keep card in glove box)
👨⚖️ Your Lawyer
(Add after consultation)
🖨️ Print This Checklist and Keep It in Your Glove Box
In the stress of an accident, having this guide immediately available could save you thousands of dollars and protect your legal rights.