What Should You Do if Someone is Injured at the Scene of an Accident?

Car accidents are sudden, stressful, often traumatic, and sometimes chaotic events.

In the shock-addled moments immediately following a crash, emotions run high, and when someone is injured, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. Taking the right steps at this critical juncture is not only crucial for ensuring the health and safety of everyone involved. It’s also essential for protecting everyone’s rights, preserving evidence, and laying the groundwork for any potential future personal injury or insurance claims process.

Whether you’re involved in a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, here’s what you should do if someone is injured at the scene of an accident.

 

Prioritize Safety and Call 911

Your first priority should always be safety. If you can do so safely, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic to prevent further accidents and position everyone involved in a safe location (for example, off the side of the road and onto the shoulder). Turn on hazard lights, and set out cones or flares if available. Then, call 911 immediately.

Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to have law enforcement and emergency responders assess the situation. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or head trauma, may not be obvious at first. A police officer and medical personnel can help ensure everyone receives necessary care. The official police report they generate will be valuable later on when dealing with insurance companies.

 

Check on Everyone Involved

Once you’ve called 911, check on the well-being of all drivers, passengers, and/or pedestrians involved in the crash. If someone is seriously injured, avoid moving them unless they are in immediate danger (for example, if a vehicle is on fire). Moving an injured person could—sometimes significantly—worsen their condition or cause long-term damage.

Wait for emergency responders to arrive, and let them take over once they do. Cooperate fully with police officers and do your best to provide a calm, factual account of what happened. Critically, avoid placing blame or admitting fault, as doing so can create liability issues. It’s best to leave that determination to the professionals and your car accident lawyer.

It’s also important to note that in the state of Washington, if traffic remains unblocked, there are no serious injuries, and both cars are still operable, it’s possible that law enforcement won’t be dispatched to the scene. In this scenario, a dispatcher will likely provide a report number over the phone, and tell the drivers involved that they can leave the scene once they exchange information. When this happens, state law requires both drivers to complete and submit a collision report within four days of the accident.

 

Exchange Information With the Other Driver(s)

After making sure everyone is safe and receiving medical care as needed, exchange essential information with all involved parties. Be sure to collect everyone’s:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
• Insurance coverage information, including company name and policy number

Additionally, don’t forget to take down the names and contact information of any passengers and eyewitnesses at the scene of the accident. Their statements could be essential if there’s a dispute about the details of the auto accident.

 

Document the Scene

Once everyone is safe and while awaiting emergency responders, be sure to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, including:

• Vehicle and property damage
• Injuries, if appropriate and respectful
• Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and nearby landmarks
• The position of vehicles before they’re moved, if safe to do so

Jot down details about the car crash itself while everything is fresh in your mind, including time of day, weather conditions, and any contributing factors you noticed (such as a car running a red light or a distracted driver). These notes may be important later in the process, when speaking with a car accident lawyer or filing an insurance claim.

 

Cooperate With Law Enforcement and Get a Copy of the Police Report

When law enforcement arrives, provide your driver’s license, insurance information, and a factual account of what happened. Essentially, try to remain calm and respond to officers’ requests and questions as clearly as possible. Be polite and cooperative, but, again, avoid speculating about fault.

Don’t forget to ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report. This document will contain an objective summary of the accident and may include statements from both parties, witnesses, and the responding officers’ assessment. Your personal injury attorney and your auto insurance company will likely need this report to process your insurance claim.

 

Seek Medical Attention

The human body is remarkably effective at protecting itself during traumatic events, and the combination of shock and adrenaline often masks injury symptoms. Even if you feel okay after the accident, it’s wise to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some personal injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not appear for hours or even days.

Seeking prompt medical treatment helps protect your health and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the car accident. If you delay treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t related to the crash, or that they weren’t serious enough to warrant compensation. Keep all documentation related to your medical visits, diagnoses, prescriptions, and treatment plans, as this information can be critical should you pursue a personal injury claim.

 

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your car insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident, since most auto insurance policies require prompt notification. Be ready to provide:

• Accident report or police report
• Names and contact information of involved parties
• Details about the scene of the accident and any property or vehicle damage
• Photos or video evidence
• Your insurance policy number

Stick to the facts when speaking with your insurance company, and avoid speculating about fault or downplaying your injuries. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, always consult with a car accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

 

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

If you or someone else was injured in a car accident, it’s a good idea to speak with a qualified lawyer—especially before making any critical decisions, providing formal statements to the insurance company, or accepting a settlement.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you:

• Understand your rights and legal options
• Evaluate the strength of your case
• Handle negotiations with the insurance company
• Maximize compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages

RHHK’s experienced lawyers offer free consultations and typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

 

Keep Records and Follow Up

In the weeks following the accident, continue to follow up with your doctor and attorney as needed. If new symptoms develop, seek medical attention right away and notify your lawyer. Be sure to keep detailed records of all expenses, treatments, communications, missed work, and other consequences of the event. This will help your car accident lawyer build a strong case and support your insurance claim.

 

Someone is Hurt, But We Can Help

Accidents are incredibly stressful, but knowing what to do if someone is injured at the scene can make a big difference for your health, legal rights, and peace of mind. Prioritize safety, involve law enforcement, document details, and don’t hesitate to involve a car accident lawyer if injuries occur.

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC (RHHK), our law firm has more than six decades’ worth of experience helping accident victims with legal advice and representation when navigating the complex world of insurance policies, personal injury claims, and the related legal process. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation.