Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

The stress of a car crash can make it difficult to think clearly. First, take a few deep breaths and check to see whether you or anyone else is injured. If your car is still in the path of oncoming traffic, move it to the side of the road if possible. Then, call 911 and report the exact location of the accident. Let the emergency dispatcher know if an ambulance is needed. Once you’ve taken care of the most pressing concerns, you can shift your attention to obtaining legal representation from a lawyer serving San Jose. Your personal injury lawyer will inform you which information you need to collect at the accident scene and how you can preserve your right to file a claim later.

For example, when you speak with the other driver and any other involved parties, your personal injury lawyer will recommend that you avoid apologizing or speculating as to the cause of the crash. Speak to the other driver only to exchange insurance information, names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers. Your attorney may also need the make and model of the involved vehicles, photographs of the crash site and the vehicles, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. When the police arrive, file an accident report and ask about obtaining a copy.

two men involved in fender bender

About the Author

Gerald Scher, Attorney at Law

Gerald “Jerry” Scher is a San Jose personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience. A graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law, he has secured settlements from $5,000 to $1.5 million in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Jerry is a member of the American Bar Association and Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association.