What To Do After an Accident

Knowing what to do immediately after an accident can help protect your health, preserve important information, and make the recovery process easier. Whether you've been involved in a car accident, workplace accident, or slip and fall, these steps can help you move forward.

Your safety should always be the top priority.

If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic or other hazards without placing yourself or others at additional risk.

Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not appear immediately after an accident.

Symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness, or back pain can develop hours or even days later. A medical evaluation can help identify injuries early and provide appropriate treatment.

Depending on the type of accident, you may need to report it to:

• Law enforcement 
• Your employer 
• The property owner 
• Your insurance company 

Reporting the accident promptly helps create an official record of what occurred.

If it is safe to do so, collect as much information as possible.

Helpful information includes:

• Names and contact information 
• Insurance information 
• Vehicle information 
• Witness contact information 
• Photos of the accident scene 
• Photos of any injuries or property damage 

The more information you collect, the easier it may be to document what happened.

Save copies of:

• Medical reports 
• Treatment records 
• Prescriptions 
• Medical bills 
• Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses

Keeping organized records can be helpful throughout your recovery.

Insurance claims often involve paperwork, documentation, and communication with insurance adjusters.

Understanding how the claims process works can help you avoid unnecessary delays and stay informed throughout the process.

Learn more about Insurance Claims.

Every accident is different.

Depending on your situation, you may benefit from working with healthcare providers or speaking with a personal injury attorney to better understand your options.

Carolina Injury Network provides educational resources and helps connect North Carolina residents with healthcare providers and personal injury attorneys.