What to Do in the First 10 Minutes After a Car Crash

Car accidents happen in an instant, but the moments that follow can feel overwhelming. Your heart races, adrenaline surges, and it can be difficult to think clearly. Yet what you do in the first 10 minutes after a crash can have a major impact on your health, safety, and any future personal injury claim.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for handling those critical first moments.

1. Check for Immediate Danger

The first priority is safety. Assess your surroundings:

• Are you in traffic?
• Is there a fire risk?
• Can you safely move to the side of the road?

If it’s safe, turn on hazard lights and move vehicles out of traffic. If the cars can’t be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

2. Check for Injuries

Quickly evaluate yourself and your passengers. Look for pain, bleeding, or dizziness. Even if you feel fine, be aware that some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately.

If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 right away and do not attempt to move them unless absolutely necessary.

3. Call the Police

Always call law enforcement, even for minor crashes. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which is invaluable for insurance claims or potential lawsuits.

When speaking to officers, remain calm and stick to the facts. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident.

4. Exchange Information

Exchange details with the other driver, including:

• Name and contact information.
• Driver’s license and license plate numbers.
• Insurance company and policy number.
• Vehicle make, model, and color.

Be polite, but don’t discuss fault at the scene.

5. Document the Scene

Use your phone to capture as much evidence as possible:

• Photos of vehicle damage, license plates, and road conditions.
• Pictures of injuries.
• Notes about time, weather, and traffic.

If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, it’s critical to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t appear until hours or days later. Medical records also create a paper trail that connects your injuries to the crash.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide factual details, but avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance.

8. Stay Calm and Grounded

The aftermath of a crash is stressful, but staying calm is essential. Take deep breaths, focus on safety, and remember that you’ll have time later to process everything fully.

9. Avoid Social Media Posts

Resist the urge to share accident details online. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may use social media posts to dispute your claim later.

10. Contact an Attorney

Finally, consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney. They can:

• Protect you from insurance company tactics.
• Ensure you meet deadlines for claims.
• Help secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Car accidents are frightening and disorienting, but the actions you take in the first 10 minutes can make a big difference. Prioritizing safety, documenting the scene, and seeking medical and legal help will not only protect your health but also strengthen any potential claim.

If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Professional guidance from Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys can help you recover both physically and financially.