What to Do After an Accident
The first 48 hours matter more than any other stretch in an injury case. Most of what happens later turns on what's documented in this window.
On this page
The essentials
- Same-day medical evaluation is the single most valuable documentation step.
- Photograph the scene before anything moves, if it's safe to do so.
- Report the incident in writing — to police, employer, or property owner as applicable.
- Avoid recorded statements, quick settlements, and social media posts.
General U.S. background. State rules and individual facts can change the answer. Find your jurisdiction →
Safety and medical care come first
The top priority is immediate safety — move out of traffic if it's safe, call 911 if anyone is hurt, and accept medical evaluation even if you feel okay. Injuries from car crashes, falls, and work incidents frequently don't hurt until the next morning. Adrenaline masks pain. A same-day medical record is the single most valuable document in any injury claim because it ties the injury to the event.
Document the scene
If you can do this safely, photograph the scene before things move. Useful shots include:
- Positions of vehicles or the hazard before anyone moves
- Damage to vehicles, property, or the floor/ground condition
- Your visible injuries
- Street signs, traffic signals, lighting, weather
- Names, phone numbers, and insurance info of everyone involved
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Report it
Call the police for vehicle accidents that involve injuries or significant damage. For a workplace injury, report it in writing to your supervisor the same day — late reports are the top reason workers' comp claims get denied. For a slip and fall in a store, ask for an incident report and get a copy of it. Notify your own insurance company promptly; most policies require it.
Things not to do
A few things consistently cause problems later:
- Don't apologize or admit fault at the scene, even out of reflex
- Don't give a recorded statement to the other side's insurer before you understand your injuries
- Don't post about the incident on social media
- Don't sign a release or settle quickly while you're still being treated
- Don't throw away damaged property, clothing, or the helmet / gear involved
Sources and review scope
This legacy reference article has not received a new claim-by-claim source or licensed-attorney review. Its content update date is not a legal verification date. Check current official sources for rules relevant to your claim. How we distinguish content dates and source checks.
Put the information to use.
General information only. This page explains common concepts in plain language. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. For any specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.