Nobody plans to get in a car wreck. One second you’re singing along to the radio at a red light, the next you’re hearing that awful crunch and wondering if your neck is supposed to feel like that.

In that moment, your brain is running on pure adrenaline, which is exactly why it helps to know what to do before it happens. The steps you take in the first few minutes, days, and weeks after a crash can make a real difference in your health and in any injury claim down the road. So bookmark this, screenshot it, or send it to the teenager in your life who just got their license. If you are dealing with injuries or an insurance claim after a crash, a Maryland Heights, MO car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and next steps.

What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident

Check yourself and everyone else. Safety first, always. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If it’s safe and your car can move, get out of the flow of traffic. Hazards on.
Call the police. Even for what seems like a “minor” crash. A police report creates an official, neutral record of what happened, and you’d be amazed how often the other driver’s story changes once their insurance company gets involved. “I’m so sorry, I was looking at my phone” has a funny way of becoming “he came out of nowhere.”
Take pictures. Lots of them. Your phone is the best evidence-gathering tool ever invented. Photograph both cars from every angle, the license plates, the road, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. There is no such thing as too many photos. Your camera roll is already 40% screenshots of memes. Make room.
Swap information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and driver’s license info. A picture of their insurance card and license covers most of it.
Find witnesses. If anyone stopped, get their name and number. Independent witnesses are gold, and they disappear fast.
Don’t apologize or admit fault. I know. You’re a nice person, and “I’m sorry” is basically a reflex. But at the scene, you don’t have all the facts, and anything you say can be twisted later. Be polite, be calm, stick to the facts, and leave the fault-finding to the people whose job it is.
Don’t say “I’m fine.” Adrenaline is a heck of a drug. It masks pain, sometimes for hours or even days. Plenty of people who said “I’m fine” at the scene woke up the next morning unable to turn their head. Instead, try: “I’m not sure yet.”

Want to go deeper on documentation? Here’s my breakdown of the evidence that matters most in an injury claim and how to hang onto it.

What to Do in the Days and Weeks After a Car Accident

Get checked out by a doctor. Even if you feel okay-ish. Head injuries, soft tissue injuries, and internal injuries don’t always announce themselves right away. Going to urgent care, the ER, or your own doctor promptly protects your health first, and it also creates a medical record connecting your injuries to the crash. Wait three weeks, and the insurance company will absolutely argue you got hurt doing something else. (Tripped over the dog? Moving a couch? They’ll get creative.)
Follow your doctor’s orders. Go to the follow-ups. Do the physical therapy. Fill the prescriptions. Gaps in treatment are one of the first things an adjuster looks for.
Notify your own insurance company. Most policies require you to report a crash promptly. Stick to the basic facts of what happened.
Be careful with the other driver’s insurance company. They may call you quickly, sound incredibly friendly, and ask for a “quick recorded statement.” They are not calling to help you. You are not required to give them a recorded statement, and it’s usually smart to talk to a lawyer before you do.
Don’t sign anything or take a quick check. Early settlement offers tend to come before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, that’s generally the end of the road, even if you later find out you need surgery.
Stay off social media. That photo of you smiling at your niece’s birthday party? An insurance company would love to use it to argue you’re not really hurt. Go quiet for a while. Your followers will survive.
Keep a file. Medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, missed work, mileage to appointments, and a simple journal of how you’re feeling day to day. Details fade fast, and this stuff matters.
Talk to a personal injury attorney. Most offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee, so there’s no upfront cost to find out where you stand. Deadlines apply to injury claims, and they vary depending on where you live, so don’t sit on it.

The Bottom Line

A car crash turns your life upside down in about two seconds. You can’t control what the other driver did, but you can control what happens next. Stay safe, document everything, get medical care, and don’t let an insurance company rush you into anything.

And please, for the love of all things holy, stop texting at red lights. You know who you are.

Car Accident FAQs

Should I call the police after a minor car accident?

In most cases, yes. A police report creates a neutral record of what happened, which can matter a lot if the other driver’s story changes later.

Should I see a doctor if I don’t feel hurt?

Yes. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Getting checked promptly protects your health and documents your injuries.

Do I have to give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement?

Generally, you aren’t obligated to. It’s usually smart to speak with a personal injury attorney before giving any recorded statement.

When should I call a car accident lawyer?

As soon as practical, especially if you were injured. Injury claims have deadlines that vary by location, and evidence disappears quickly.

About the Author

Rob Schmittgens is a personal injury attorney and the founder of Schmittgens Injury Law Firm in St. Louis, licensed in Missouri and Illinois. He represents injured people exclusively and helps car accident victims navigate the claims process. Read more at Schmittgens Injury Law Firm or follow him @robwinsstl.

This post is general commentary based on my own experience and isn’t legal advice. Every case is different, and how yours plays out will depend on its own facts and the laws where you live. If you’ve been hurt, talk to a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.

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