By Amita Brar |  Associate  |  Seattle Office

Every 10 seconds, an automobile accident occurs somewhere in the United States. With nearly 250 million drivers on U.S. roads, it's no surprise that accidents are so common. Car accidents can be prevented by following the rules of the road; however, sometimes factors such as reckless driving and unsafe highway design can cause these collisions. While we never intend to get into collisions, it is important to know what to do in case of an emergency. 

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

  1. Check for injuries and that you and your passengers are ok. Whether it is a minor bumper-to-bumper crash or a more serious accident, it is important to assess if you and your passengers need medical attention. If there are injuries, it is important to call 911 immediately. 
  2. Pull over to the side of the road if possible. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights and navigate to the shoulder of the road so other cars can pass. 
  3. Call the police. Every state has its own laws on what accidents to report. It is recommended to call the police, even if the accident is minor, for insurance claims and legal reasons. 
  4. Exchange information with the other driver. It is important to collect information from all drivers involved in the accident. Vital information to collect of the other parties includes name, address, phone number, insurance policy, driver’s license, license plate number, and car model. 
  5. Take pictures of the accident scene. Taking photos and videos of the damages to the cars and where the accident occurred, including street signs and intersections, and visible injuries can function as important information for insurance claims or legal disputes. 
  6. See if there were witnesses on the scene. People who were not involved in the crash but saw the accident occur can help provide more clarity to insurance companies. It is important to grab their information in case a testimony of the crash is needed later on. While passengers can serve as witnesses, their testimony may be seen as less reliable. 
  7. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier that legal advice is sought out, the better. By reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney, they can ensure that all of the evidence of the crash is kept safe and that insurance companies will compensate you adequately for your injuries.
  8. Rest and recover. Your main job after getting into a car accident is to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Make sure to set aside enough time to recover, especially if your injuries are severe and could worsen... As you rest, your personal injury lawyer will take care of your case and ensure that you receive adequate compensation and justice.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

Recovering from a car accident is hard enough without the added stress of dealing with insurance. At GLP Attorneys, we have been proud to deliver optimal results to car accident survivors and their families for over three decades. GLP Attorneys has experience achieving justice for clients who have been involved in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and trucking accidents. Amita Brar, an associate at GLP Attorneys, has supported families and individuals navigating the aftermath of severe collisions. If you have been injured in an accident, call 800-273-5005 or email our attorneys at to schedule a free lawyer consultation.