Injured in a car accident? Here's exactly what to do.

Get to safety and call 911.

Move out of traffic if you can. Request police and medical response — the official report starts here.

Get medical attention even if you feel fine.

Soft-tissue injuries often don’t hurt until hours or days later — and adjusters treat delayed treatment as proof you weren’t hurt.

Photograph everything.

Both vehicles from multiple angles, the whole scene, skid marks, traffic signals, road conditions, and your visible injuries.

Get witness contact information.

Independent witnesses are gold — they have no stake in the outcome, which makes them credible to adjusters and jurors.

Get the police report number and the officer’s name before leaving the scene.

Exchange information

but never admit fault. Even a polite “I’m sorry” can end up in the claim file.

Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.

You are not required to, and it exists to lock you into a story before you know your injuries.

Report the accident to your own insurer

you have a duty to cooperate with your policy — but stick to the basic facts.

Start a symptom diary and keep every bill.

Medical records are the backbone of your claim; gaps and inconsistencies are what adjusters use against you.

Talk to a lawyer before accepting anything.

The first offer is a negotiating tactic — typically a fraction of what the insurer has already set aside for your claim.