You’re in shock. Your car is damaged. Your body’s aching. In the chaos after a crash, it’s hard to know what to do next, but your health, finances, and injury claim may depend on the choices you make in those first few hours.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our New Jersey and New York accident attorneys guide crash victims through these critical moments. We help people across New York and New Jersey protect their rights and hold negligent drivers accountable. Here's what we want you to know immediately after a car accident.
Call the Police – Even if You Think It’s a Minor Accident
Call the police after a car accident, even if it seems minor. A police report creates an official record of what happened, and that report can be key evidence in your injury claim. Additionally, the police can make sure everyone gets necessary medical attention and direct traffic to prevent secondary accidents.
Don’t let the other driver talk you out of calling the police. If someone suggests handling things “off the books,” that’s a red flag. You may feel okay now, but discover injuries later, or find out the other driver has no insurance or gave you false information.
When the police arrive at the scene, describe what happened clearly and simply. Don’t guess, speculate, or accept blame.
Get Medical Attention – Even If You Don’t Feel Any Pain
See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine at first. Many serious injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. Getting medical care early can:
- Protect your health. Some injuries worsen quickly without treatment.
- Protect your claim. Insurance companies often argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash if you delay treatment.
Urgent care centers, ERs, and your primary doctor all count. Just don’t wait.
Gather Information at the Scene – If You Can
If you're physically able, collect as much information as possible at the crash site, such as:
- The other driver’s information. Get their name, phone number, license plate, driver’s license, and insurance details.
- Photos and videos. Take pictures of vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signs, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Witness names and numbers. Bystanders often leave before police arrive. Their statements can be crucial later.
- Your own notes. As soon as you can, jot down what happened. You may include the time of the crash, weather conditions, and what each car was doing immediately before the collision.
These details can become vital evidence when building a post-crash injury claim.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer – Before the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not your recovery.
Common tactics they use include:
- Getting you to downplay your injuries. A simple “I’m fine” can be used against you later.
- Pressuring you to settle early. Quick settlements often undervalue long-term medical costs.
- Recording your statement. Anything you say can hurt your claim.
An attorney can handle communications for you and help ensure you don’t say something that damages your case.
Other Ways a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
You’re not legally required to hire an attorney, but having one can reduce your stress and protect your rights. Here’s why:
- Deadlines matter. There are strict time limits to file insurance claims and lawsuits.
- Investigations can be complicated. At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we know what evidence to look for and how to get it.
- Legal representation means leverage. Insurance companies often offer higher settlements when they know a lawyer is involved.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we investigate your crash, preserve key evidence, calculate full damages, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Not to Do After a Crash – Mistakes to Avoid
To protect your legal rights, it’s essential to avoid:
- Admitting fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted into an admission of liability.
- Posting on social media. Photos or comments can be used against you by insurance investigators.
- Skipping medical appointments. Gaps in care can suggest you’re not really hurt.
- Signing anything without legal review. Once you accept a settlement, you may lose the right to additional compensation, even if new injuries appear.
Every decision matters. When in doubt, ask a lawyer before you act to make sure you are protecting your rights.
