The first 60 minutes following a motor vehicle accident frequently determine the success of your personal injury claim. Taking the proper investigative steps at the crash scene protects your health, establishes clear liability, and prevents insurance adjusters from disputing the cause of your injuries.
1. Immediate Post-Accident Action Checklist
| Priority Step | Action Item | Why It Is Critical for Your Claim |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Safety & 911 | Call emergency services and request police + EMT dispatch. | Generates official CHP or municipal collision report. |
| 2. Photo & Video | Photograph all vehicle resting positions, skid marks, traffic signals, and debris. | Preserves ephemeral physical evidence before vehicles are towed. |
| 3. Witness Contact | Collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of non-passenger witnesses. | Independent witness testimony neutralizes disputes over traffic signals. |
| 4. Medical Evaluation | Undergo thorough hospital ER or urgent care medical examination. | Establishes immediate causal connection between crash and bodily injury. |
| 5. Contact Attorney | Consult a seasoned car injury attorney before speaking with any insurance adjusters. | Protects you against lowball settlement releases and bad faith tactics. |