What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Published in Car Accidents on March 4, 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutes
According to Boston’s Vision Zero 2024 data, more than 1,200 car accidents ended in injuries that year, and that doesn’t even account for the high number of crashes where no one was hurt. Even when you realize how often accidents happen and do everything to safeguard against one, a collision can still leave you rattled and unsure of what to do next. Follow these steps right after a car accident to stay safe and put yourself in a stronger position if you need to seek compensation.
Stay Calm
Try to stay calm right after a crash, even though it can be a tense moment. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know there’s a problem, and check if your passengers or others involved need help.
When you’re rattled, it’s easy to overlook important details, but a clear head allows you to focus on what needs to happen next and helps you keep everyone out of further harm.
Move Your Vehicle
If your car is drivable and you can move it without putting anyone at risk, pull over to the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. This makes it less likely that another vehicle will hit yours and creates a safer space for anyone helping you.
If you can’t move your car, determine whether it’s better to stay in the vehicle or get out. It’s usually safer to stay in your car with your seatbelt on if stepping out puts you at risk of being hit by passing vehicles. If you can move to a median or behind a guardrail without stepping into traffic, do that because other drivers might be distracted by the crash and not see you in time to slow down.
Seek Medical Attention
If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Don’t try to move them unless they’re in immediate danger. Focus on preventing further harm by keeping everyone out of oncoming traffic and being aware of your surroundings.
After the dust settles, look yourself over for anything from minor cuts to more severe pains, and encourage your passengers to do the same. Remember that some injuries, like whiplash, might not surface right away and could appear days later, so it’s worth visiting a doctor even if you feel fine initially. If you spot any visible injuries, let the 911 dispatcher know so they can send an ambulance.
Don’t Admit Fault
It’s natural to feel upset or apologetic right after a crash, but it’s important to be careful with the phrases you use. Saying something like “I’m sorry” can sound like an admission of guilt, even if you only mean to show concern for the other person. Insurance adjusters or lawyers may later point to those words as a sign that you accepted blame on the spot.
Instead, keep your focus on concrete details, such as the time and location of the accident or the positions of the cars. Share these facts with law enforcement and other drivers if needed, but steer clear of suggesting fault.
Swap Information With Other Drivers
Exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers and insurance information with the other driver. You should also jot down the license plate number plus the vehicle’s make and model to avoid any confusion.
Document the Scene
It’s easy to forget important details when you’re stressed, so taking photos or videos at the scene can make a big difference later. Focus on the damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, and relevant signs or signals nearby, like stop signs or traffic lights.
Get wider photos that show the layout—such as the full intersection or street—so it’s clear where each car ended up. Then zoom in on specific damage, like dents, broken glass or any visible injuries. These images give a firsthand look at what occurred and can serve as strong evidence if there’s a dispute about how the accident happened.
Interview Witnesses
Bystanders who saw the crash can be a big help if there’s a disagreement later about how it happened. Ask politely for their contact information and see if they’re willing to give a quick statement on camera or through your phone’s voice notes. Getting a firsthand account right away is helpful because people may forget key details over time. Having their story recorded when their memory is fresh can strengthen your version of events if questions come up in the future.
Report the Accident
Massachusetts law requires you to submit a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report if your car accident is serious. You generally have five days from the date of the accident to submit the report if:
- Anyone was killed
- Anyone was injured
- Damage to any vehicle or property exceeds $1,000
You’ll need to send copies of that report to:
- The local police department in the city or town where the accident occurred
- Your insurance company
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles
There is no fee to file this report.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Many auto insurance policies require you to let your carrier know when a crash happens, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. Be honest and provide the main facts—like the time, place and basic description of what occurred—but avoid admitting fault or guessing about who is responsible.
If the other driver’s insurance company tries to contact you, it’s usually a good idea to speak with your own insurer or consult a lawyer first. Direct their questions to your attorney or politely decline to give a statement until you have legal guidance. This helps protect you from saying something that could be taken out of context or used against you later.
Contact a Boston Car Accident Lawyer
Some car accidents involve only minor damage and can be settled fairly easily through a basic insurance claim. However, if the crash caused serious injuries or there is a disagreement over who caused it, the situation can quickly become more complicated. Talking to an attorney in those cases can help protect your rights.
At Sweeney Merrigan, we offer free consultations and help you find the best approach for your case. Whether you’re negotiating an insurance settlement or considering legal options, our Boston car accident lawyers are here to support you so you can focus on getting your life back on track.