Car Accident Guide — Step by Step

What To Do
After A
Car Accident.

The steps you take in the first 24–48 hours after a crash can make or break your case. Follow this guide — then call us for a free attorney referral.

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The 10 Steps — Follow These Exactly

Your Crash
Playbook.

01

Stay Safe — Move to Safety

If possible, move vehicles out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights. Stay calm. Do not leave the scene.

02

Call 911

Always call police — even for minor crashes. A police report is critical evidence for your insurance and legal claim. In Ohio, crashes resulting in injury or $1,000+ damage must be reported.

03

Get Medical Attention Immediately

This is the most important step. Many serious injuries (whiplash, TBI, internal bleeding) don't show symptoms for hours or days. See a doctor within 24 hours — your health and your case depend on it.

04

Document Everything at the Scene

Take photos of: both vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks, injuries, traffic signs. Video is even better. This evidence disappears fast.

05

Exchange Information

Get the other driver's: name, license number, insurance company and policy number, license plate, phone number. Get witness names and contact info too.

06

Do NOT Admit Fault

Don't apologize, don't say "I'm fine," don't speculate about what happened. Even "sorry" can be used against you. Let the evidence speak.

07

Notify Your Insurance

Report the accident to your own insurer promptly. But do NOT give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance without speaking to an attorney first.

08

Keep All Records

Save everything: medical bills, doctor visits, receipts, time off work, prescription costs, physical therapy. Every dollar you document is a dollar you can recover.

09

Don't Accept a Quick Settlement

Insurance companies offer fast, low settlements to close cases cheaply before you know the full extent of your injuries. Never accept without an attorney review.

10

Call DamnICrashed.com

Get a free case review from a personal injury attorney in your area — Ohio, Nevada, California, or anywhere. No cost, no obligation, no risk.

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Related Guides

More Crash
Help.

Crash Guide
FAQ.

Yes, always. Even in minor crashes, a police report creates an official record that's critical if the other driver later disputes fault or if injuries appear days later. In many states, crashes above a damage threshold are legally required to be reported.
Get checked out anyway. Whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding frequently have delayed symptom onset. If you don't seek medical care promptly, insurance companies will argue your injuries weren't caused by the crash.
Don't panic. Police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and medical records can all support your claim. Contact an attorney immediately to help gather what's still available.
Ohio: 2 years. Nevada: 2 years. California: 2 years. But don't wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case.

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