Greene & Phillips: What to do after a wreck

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A car wreck can happen in a matter of seconds, and in the moments afterward, it can be difficult to think clearly about what you’re supposed to do next. Knowing a few basic steps ahead of time can help protect both your health and your rights. David Greene from Greene & Phillips Injury Lawyers joined us to walk us through what you should do immediately after a car accident.

Let’s start right at the scene. What’s the first thing someone should do after a wreck?

First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911. If you’re able to move to a safe location, do that, but don’t leave the scene. Even if the accident initially seems minor, I recommend having law enforcement respond. An officer can document what happened, identify the drivers and witnesses, and create an accident report.

What should someone be doing while they’re waiting for law enforcement to arrive?

If you’re physically able to do it safely, document as much as you can. Take pictures and video of the vehicles, the damage, their positions if they haven’t been moved, the roadway, traffic signals, skid marks, debris.. anything that might help show what happened. And get the other driver’s insurance and contact information. If there are witnesses, try to get their names and contact information as well. People leave, vehicles get moved, and evidence can disappear pretty quickly once the scene is cleared.

What about talking to the other driver? Is there anything people should avoid saying?

Try to stay calm and stick to the facts. You don’t need to argue about who caused the accident, and you certainly don’t need to make statements like, “I’m sorry, this was my fault.” Let law enforcement investigate the accident. Your job at that point is to make sure everyone is safe, cooperate with the officer, and document what you can.

What if someone doesn’t feel seriously injured immediately after the crash?

Don’t ignore symptoms. Adrenaline can be running high after an accident, and some injuries may not be obvious immediately. If you’re hurting or experiencing symptoms, get evaluated by a medical professional. And if symptoms develop or get worse after you leave the scene, seek medical treatment promptly. That’s important first and foremost for your health, but it also creates documentation of what you experienced following the accident.

Is there anything else people should keep in mind once they get home?

Keep everything related to the wreck. Save the accident information, photographs, medical paperwork, receipts, insurance correspondence, and anything else you receive.

And be cautious when speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. You may be contacted very quickly for a statement or even a settlement offer before you fully understand your injuries or your rights.

If someone remembers just a few things after a wreck, what should they be?

Call 911, document the scene, get medical attention if you need it, save your records, and don’t rush into making decisions about your claim. If you have questions, call Greene & Phillips. Your case evaluation is always free. We can listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help you understand what your next steps should be. Call, text, or come by anytime.

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