The first 7 things you should always do when you’re in a crash

One second you’re cruising down the road without a care in the world, and the next … impact. It’s a sickening feeling, sitting behind the wheel in a daze wondering what just happened.

But a more important thought – as shock and confusion begin to set in – is this: what do I do about whatever greets me when I step out of the car?

How about this:

1. The breath

Take a breath. Those first moments when you step out of the car are confusing, scary, and a bunch of other emotional epithets expressing a generally terrible situation.

There will be wreckage, occupants of the other vehicles, pressure to figure out what happened, insurance and police, etc. And one of the most important things with all of this is to keep things straight! So don’t rush it. Speak slowly, think answers through and step back often to take a breath.

If you are injured or don’t feel right, let medical personnel help you. Wait for an ambulance and go to the doctor.

If you feel fine, proceed with the following steps.

2. The police

Call the police. Usually someone else has already done this by the time you step out of the car, but make sure. You want to start the documentation right away. You want as much as possible to happen in the presence of the police.

3. The insurance

You don’t need to know anything before contacting the insurance, other than, “I’ve been in a crash.” So contact them right away to get the ball rolling and have them involved right from the start. Read up on how insurance companies work, as well (like this handbook), to make sure you’re getting what you need and deserve.

4. The people

Get the names, numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information from all drivers involved. If there are passengers, get their info as well. And then get more. Ask every witness what he or she saw. Get their names, numbers, or addresses, if possible. Ask locals if they’ve ever witnessed other accidents in the same place. Get as clear and documented of a picture as you can while the scene is still there.

And don’t be shy about asking for the police officer’s names and badge numbers.

Side note with people: While you should be as nice and cooperative as possible, don’t be apologetic. Rather, don’t admit to anything, like “I’m so sorry I was following you so closely.” It may not be clear who is to blame, so don’t assign yourself that blame.

5. The scene

While you’re at it, pull out your phone and snap photos of the damage to both vehicles, and all the people involved. Any documentation helps.

Draw a diagram of the scene and make notes about how the accident occurred, including the direction in which each vehicle was traveling.

6. The doctor

Go to the doctor! You have almost no chance of ascertaining the severity of your injuries at the scene, so don’t wait to see if your injuries worsen before deciding to go to the doctor. If it’s a money issue, there are a lot of options to get those bills taken care of, but you can’t wait.

And then, do what the doctor tells you. If he says go to physical therapy, then go. Follow his orders completely, follow-up with referrals if he makes them.

Your doctor’s medical conclusions carry a ton of weight towards the amount of your settlement. Telling the insurance adjuster how much pain you’re in does nothing. Telling the doctor who then makes a note of it does everything. Your doctor is the proof that you were, in fact, injured.

7. Slow the pace

After all of this, you’ve got a good handle on things, so let that give you a bit of peace.

Don’t rush to wrap things up!

Sometimes injuries and losses aren’t evident (or the severity changes) for months. The sooner you settle, the sooner you will stop getting compensation for potentially ongoing losses. If you’re worried you need more help, think about contacting a law firm for counsel, and then you have a good chance to find yourself, when the ordeal is finally over, feeling pretty darn good.