What to Do After an Accident

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.

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

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.

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