What Is the First Thing You Should Do in a Car Accident?
What Is the First Thing You Should Do in a Car Accident? Your Complete Post-Crash Checklist
Being involved in a car accident is disorienting and stressful, even if it seems minor. Those critical first moments after impact can significantly affect your physical recovery, insurance claim, and legal protection. At Whiplash Center of Utah, we've helped thousands of St. George residents navigate the aftermath of car accidents, and we consistently see how those initial actions can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential first steps to take immediately following a collision.
Key Takeaways
Safety comes first—move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries
Document everything with photos, videos, and witness information before evidence disappears
Seek immediate medical evaluation, even if you feel "fine" (hidden injuries can emerge days later)
Contact Whiplash Center of Utah within 24 hours for a free post-accident assessment
Ensure Safety First
The absolute first priority after any collision is safety. Check yourself and passengers for injuries, then:
Turn on hazard lights immediately
If the vehicle is drivable and blocking traffic, move it to the shoulder or nearby parking lot
If you can't move the vehicle, stay inside with seatbelts fastened if it's safe to do so
Set up emergency reflectors or flares if available
Remember, your safety is more important than your vehicle. Our St. George patients often tell us they initially underestimated crash dangers by exiting vehicles on busy highways or standing in unsafe locations while documenting damage.
Check for Injuries
After securing the scene, assess everyone for injuries:
Check yourself first—adrenaline can mask pain
Check on passengers, focusing on consciousness, bleeding, and ability to move
Check on occupants of other vehicles if safe to do so
Call 911 immediately if anyone appears injured
Even if you feel fine, be aware that whiplash and other serious injuries often don't present symptoms until hours or days later. This delayed response is something we routinely educate our Whiplash Center patients about.
Call the Police
Always call the police after an accident, regardless of severity. In Utah:
Police reports serve as official documentation
Officers can secure the scene and direct traffic
Their report will be crucial for insurance claims
St. George police are familiar with local accident hotspots
While waiting for police, avoid discussing fault or making statements like "I'm sorry" that could be interpreted as admitting liability. Our patients who have followed this advice have had much smoother claims processes.
Exchange Information
While waiting for authorities, exchange and collect:
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers
Insurance company names and policy numbers
Driver's license numbers
License plate numbers
Make, model, and year of all vehicles involved
Location of the accident
Use your smartphone to photograph insurance cards and driver's licenses rather than writing everything down. This reduces the risk of transcription errors that could complicate your claim later.
Document Everything
Your smartphone is your most powerful tool immediately after an accident:
Take photos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles
Photograph the overall accident scene, including road conditions
Capture skid marks, debris, and traffic signs/signals
Record a quick video narrating what happened while details are fresh
Note the time, weather conditions, and any relevant factors
At Whiplash Center of Utah, we've seen how thorough documentation can make the difference between approved and denied claims. Many St. George residents don't realize that crucial evidence like skid marks can disappear within hours.
Gather Witness Information
Independent witnesses can provide invaluable perspectives:
Collect names and contact information from all witnesses
Ask if they would be willing to speak to insurance or police
Note where they were positioned during the accident
If possible, record a brief statement on your phone (with permission)
Witnesses often leave quickly, so approach them before police arrive if you're able. Their unbiased accounts can be decisive in determining fault.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible:
Report the basic facts of the accident
Provide the information you've collected
Ask about next steps and coverage details
Understand what medical coverage is available through your policy
Many Utah insurance policies have specific time requirements for reporting accidents. Prompt notification ensures you don't inadvertently void coverage provisions.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
This step is absolutely critical, even if you feel fine:
Get evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene if available
Visit an emergency room or urgent care the same day
Schedule an appointment with accident specialists like Whiplash Center of Utah within 24 hours
At our St. George clinic, we routinely identify serious injuries in patients who initially felt "just a little sore." Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries can take 24-72 hours to develop noticeable symptoms, but early intervention dramatically improves outcomes.
Why Immediate Chiropractic Evaluation Is Essential
After an accident, your body may suffer from:
Misalignments that worsen over time without treatment
Micro-tears in muscles and ligaments that lead to inflammation
Nerve impingements that can cause radiating pain or numbness
Disrupted movement patterns that create compensatory injuries
At Whiplash Center of Utah, our specialized post-accident assessment protocol can identify these hidden injuries before they develop into chronic conditions. Our St. George patients who come in within the first 48 hours typically experience significantly faster recovery times.
Document Your Symptoms
Begin keeping a symptom journal immediately:
Note all pain, stiffness, or discomfort, no matter how minor
Track sleep disturbances or mood changes
Record how symptoms affect daily activities
Take note of any medications taken
This documentation serves multiple purposes—it helps our clinical team track your recovery progress and provides important evidence for insurance claims. Our free Whiplash Center Recovery Journal makes this process simple.
Conclusion
The steps you take immediately following a car accident can significantly impact your physical recovery and financial protection. By prioritizing safety, documenting thoroughly, and seeking immediate medical evaluation, you position yourself for the best possible outcome. Remember that the Whiplash Center of Utah offers same-day appointments for car accident victims, providing specialized care from practitioners who understand the unique challenges of crash injuries.
Don't wait for pain to appear—contact our St. George office immediately after any accident for a comprehensive evaluation that can detect injuries before they become serious problems.
FAQ
Q: Should I see a chiropractor even if the accident seemed minor?
Yes. Even low-speed impacts of 5-10 mph can cause significant whiplash injuries. Our diagnostic protocols at Whiplash Center of Utah can detect subtle injuries that standard medical exams might miss.
Q: Will my insurance cover chiropractic care after an accident?
Most auto insurance policies in Utah include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that covers necessary medical treatment, including chiropractic care. Our office staff can verify your coverage and handle all insurance paperwork.
Q: How soon after an accident should I be evaluated?
Ideally within 24 hours. Research shows that early intervention significantly improves outcomes for accident victims. The Whiplash Center of Utah reserves same-day appointments specifically for car accident cases.
Q: What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection can still provide coverage. Our St. George office can help navigate these more complex claims situations.
Q: Can I still receive treatment if I wasn't at fault but don't have my own insurance?
Yes. The Whiplash Center of Utah works with attorneys and third-party claims to ensure you receive necessary care while legal and insurance matters are being resolved.
Dr Spence Andersen