There are a few things you should do after an accident that are universal. In this 2 part blog, we go over what you should do in an accident so that you are well prepared in an emergency.

Check for Injuries

Check yourself over after the collision to determine if you were injured and the extent of your injuries. If you need emergency medical treatment, call an ambulance or ask someone else to call for you. Our personal injury attorneys always recommend you seek medical treatment after an accident, as some injuries could be internal. Other injuries can show up days later, such as whiplash.

Move to a Safer Area

If it is safe to do so, and if you are not badly injured, move to a safe spot away from active lanes of traffic. If your crash only involves vehicle damage, move off the road to a safe location.

Get the Drivers Information

Gather as much information on accident details as you can. The more information you have, the easier it will be for your car accident lawyer to represent your case.

It’s important to collect the following information from the other driver:

  • Name
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Phone number
  • Tag number
  • Make, model, and color of their vehicle

After you’ve exchanged insurance information with the other driver, there are other things our attorneys recommend:

  • Take pictures of the vehicle damage of both vehicles
  • Take a photo of the driver’s license plates
  • Get the police report number
  • Ask for the police officer’s name, badge number, and phone number
  • Get contact information from any witnesses to the wreck.
  • Take notes or snap photos of any other potentially relevant information, such as traffic signs.

Determine What Insurance Coverage Would Apply

When you talk to an insurance professional about the claims process, you will want to discuss the type of coverage you have, the coverage of the other driver, and how your auto insurance claim will cover you based on who is determined at fault.

Your insurance agent can discuss whether or not you should file an insurance claim and what those steps would be. You can also discuss your insurance coverage with your personal injury attorney.

File an Accident Claim

As an accident victim, you need to file an accident claim to get reimbursed for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. You can file an accident injury claim with your insurance company or the insurance company of the negligent driver. It’s best to do this with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney that specialized in personal injury cases will be able to tell you everything you can claim in your lawsuit. 

What Happens to Your Body After a Car Accident

Immediately after a wreck, your body undergoes a rush of adrenaline. Adrenaline prepares your body for a response of ‘fight or flight.’

After a crash, adrenaline will affect your body in the following ways:

  • Increased energy levels
  • Decreased feelings of pain
  • Increased awareness
  • Heightened senses
  • Rapid heart rate
  • More stamina and feeling stronger
  • Dilated pupils


An adrenaline rush can be helpful immediately after a car accident, but it can also be deceptive. Adrenaline masks the feeling of pain, so you may not realize you’ve been injured right after a car crash. That’s why it’s important always to seek medical assistance after an accident, even if you don’t feel injured.

These hidden accident injuries may not present themselves for hours, days, or weeks after the accident. By the time you realize you’ve been injured, it may be too late to seek any compensation from insurance.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

The thought of navigating the legal system after a car wreck can be nerve-racking. That’s why if you are an accident victim, you should call a law firm that will help you every step of the way. The personal injury lawyers at Sticklen, Dreyer & Tinney have represented a wide range of cases in the past and will take care of the complicated legal process of determining fault and filing a traffic accident report. This allows you to focus solely on your physical recovery.

An experienced car accident attorney will ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you are an accident victim, our attorneys offer legal advice to help you understand your case better.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us today to learn more about your services. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident you can reach out to us by filling out the contact form on our website.