What to do and not to do immediately after a car accident

For the vast majority of Utahns over 16, driving is a necessity. But unfortunately, hitting the road always comes with some risks.

In the unfortunate event you do get into a wreck — whether it's a fender bender or something more serious — taking the right steps in the aftermath is crucial from a health, financial, and legal perspective.

Here are some post-accident dos and don'ts, as well as some proactive measures you can take to ensure the best possible outcome after a crash:

Prevention and preparation are key

Even though some accidents are unavoidable, following basic car maintenance and safe driving practices can drastically reduce your odds of getting in a crash. A few things to remember on that front:

• Rotate, inflate, and replace your tires based on need and manufacturer's recommendations.
• Practice predictable driving — no sudden lane changes, tailgating, or turning without signaling.
• Stay focused: Hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times, no matter how strong the temptation is to check your phone.

Additionally, consider the following proactive steps:

• According to the National Library of Medicine, installing a dash cam be critical in corroborating your story, especially with loss of life.
• Have all paperwork ready and easily accessible: license, registration, and insurance card.
• Understand your rights and obligations

Do's and don'ts in the immediate aftermath

Getting in an accident is never ideal, but the way you handle the situation is critical. Here are some dos and don'ts:

• Don't: According to governmentfleet.com, you should never leave the scene of the accident for any reason. That includes finding a bathroom or running a quick errand.
• Do: Assess yourself and other passengers for injuries. Be prepared to give the location and direction of travel, conditions of those involved, and descriptions of the vehicles involved.
• Don't: Try to help others if you are not in a capacity to do so.
• Do: Move to a safe location if your car is drivable — especially if you're in a high-speed area like the freeway. Turn on your hazard lights to increase your car's visibility.
• Don't: Get out of the car until it is 100% safe to do so. Oncoming traffic often comes faster than you think.
• Do: Exchange information with the other involved parties, including name and phone, license, license plate, insurance company & policy numbers.
• Don't: Discuss details of the accident with others at the scene. There is no need to discuss what happened — it can only potentially make things worse.
• Do: According to the Utah Insurance Department, you should call the police, even in a fender bender. Obtaining a police report can be vital for insurance and legal reasons.
• Don't: Confront anyone at the scene including drivers, officers, or medical personnel. Emotions can run high at this moment, but the last thing you want is to further complicate the situation.
• Do: Document everything. If your dashcam was recording, that's a fantastic start. Take several photos and videos (once it's safe to do so.) If possible, jot down any details you want to make sure to remember.
• Don't: Post any of this documentation on social media — for obvious reasons.

What to do in the days after an accident

The worst has passed, and the initial shock of the accident has started to fade. What next? Here's what you need to do, roughly in chronological order:

• Get any medical care you need. As mentioned already, injuries like whiplash can take a few days to kick in — it's better to be safe and get checked by a doctor, even if you don't think your injuries are serious.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as you can, and provide them with all the documentation you have. Personal details, photos, footage, police reports, and witness testimonials are all appropriate.
• If your car is not totaled, shop around for car repair estimates. Your insurance company may have preferred vendors; selecting one of those may make the process faster and smoother.
• Negotiate with your insurance company. Insurance companies may try to offer a low payout initially. Use all the evidence you have at your disposal in your negotiations: photos, repair estimates, research on the market value of your car, etc. Request a second evaluation if necessary.
• Consider legal advice, especially if you or other passengers sustained serious injury. If you are ever in that unfortunate situation, contact Parker and McConkie, a top-rated personal injury law firm in Utah. They'll make sure you're well taken care of — and help you get the settlement you deserve.

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