Everyone who’s ever been in an accident has this one thing in common: Questions on what to do next.
As soon as you get hit, the questions start flooding in. What now? Who do I call? Am I supposed to file something? Is my insurance going to cover this? What if it wasn’t my fault, or what if it kind of was?
It’s confusing, honestly. That’s why this post exists; it covers the most common car accident questions.
What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?
Take a deep breath. You’re probably shaking, or angry, or scared; that’s normal. The very first thing is safety. Move yourself (and your car if you can) out of traffic. Then check if anyone’s hurt.
Call 911 right away, even if the crash seems small. Sometimes injuries show up later, and you’ll need a police report for insurance anyway.
While you wait, try to take photos, photos of your car, the other car, license plates, the road, traffic lights, everything. Write down what happened while it’s fresh. Trust me, details fade fast.
Exchange info with the other driver, but don’t argue about who’s at fault right there. Just keep it calm.
And if you feel dizzy, sore, or just off, go get checked. Even minor accidents can mess up your neck or back without showing symptoms right away.
Should I Call My Insurance Company Right After the Accident?
Yes, but do it once you’ve calmed down and are safe. You also have to be honest about what happened. But you have to be careful not to sound like you’re guessing the details, and definitely do not take any blame for anything.
Say what you know, not what you think. Like: “I was driving straight when another car hit my side.” Not: “It was probably my fault.”
They’ll guide you through the next steps, such as repairs, estimates, and maybe a rental car. And if another driver’s insurance is involved, yours can help deal with them.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Well, it happens. This is when your uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) saves you. It helps pay for your injuries or car damage when the other driver can’t.
If you don’t have that coverage, things get trickier. You can sue the other driver, but if they don’t have money, winning in court doesn’t always help much.
Still, don’t panic. Talk to your insurance rep and ask what options you have. Sometimes they can still help you under other parts of your policy.
What If I Start Hurting Days Later?
That’s super common. Adrenaline covers up pain in the moment, and when it fades, your body starts yelling.
If that happens, go to a doctor. Explain it started after the crash. Keep every record, hospital forms, X-rays, receipts, prescriptions, everything. These become evidence if you need to make a claim later.
Can I Get Money For My Pain Or Missed Work?
Yes, if the other driver (or their insurance) is found responsible. You can usually get money for:
- Medical bills
- Car repairs or replacement
- Lost wages
- Pain and emotional stress
If it’s serious, you might need a lawyer to handle the claim, not because you’re suing, but because insurance companies tend to offer less than what’s fair.
What If I Was Partly At Fault?
That’s okay. Most states follow something called comparative negligence. It means if you were, say, 20% at fault, you can still get 80% of your damages covered.
So don’t automatically assume you have no case. Let the investigation or insurance adjuster figure that out.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim or Lawsuit?
This depends on your state. Most give you between 1 and 3 years to file a lawsuit after a car accident. But don’t wait that long to start the insurance claim; that should happen much sooner, usually within days or weeks.
Even if you feel fine now, file the report early. It’s easier to close it later than to open it too late.
Key Takeaways
- Safety first. Check for injuries, move to a safe spot, and call for help.
- Notify the police and your insurance as soon as possible. Immediately, if possible.
- Document everything. Photos, info, witnesses, reports.
- Get checked out by a doctor even if you feel fine.
- Understand how exactly fault works in your state. Partial fault doesn’t mean no compensation.
