I Was Involved in a Car Wreck – What Should I Do?

by

Jan Dils

Last Updated March 30, 2026 In Car Accidents, Personal Injury

Car crashes happen in an instant and often without any warning. The shock at the sudden impact is likely going to leave you disorientated and confused. In such a situation, it can be difficult to think clearly and deal with the immediate aftermath, so our experienced motor vehicle collision attorneys provided some guidance on what to do if you have been in a car wreck.

Do Your Own Assessment

A good first step is to take a deep breath and check on yourself. Look to see if you can still move inside your vehicle, or if it is still operable. Assess your body and take mental note about any noticeable injuries.

Move Out Of Danger

If you are able to do so, move your vehicle away from traffic as far as possible so as not to impede traffic and put yourself in danger of oncoming vehicles. However, if the damage to your car is significant, or there are any severe injuries, then leave everything alone.

Contact Emergency Services

Get on the phone and call the authorities to report the accident. This will get the police and medical teams up and running.

Exchange Insurance Information

It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident because all drivers involved must exchange their insurance information with each other. Nothing can be done to prevent the crash now, but getting the information as soon as possible can help the process. Just avoid conversations about what happened or arguments about who was responsible. All of that will be determined later.

Report the Incident

Similarly, notifying your insurance company about the incident gets the ball rolling on their end. Many companies offer an app so you can take pictures and gather other documentation right there at the scene.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, there are some conditions that only a trained medical professional can notice, such as concussions or internal organ damage. These can get worse if left untreated, so taking care of your own well-being should be the number one priority.

Call a Lawyer At Jan Dils Attorneys At Law If You Were Involved in a Car Wreck

Navigating the legal complexities of an accident can be challenging if you do not know what to do. Having a legal representative to deal with the situation will allow you to focus on your recovery. Call our personal injury attorneys at Jan Dils to determine where you go from here.