What to Do After a Serious Car Accident to Protect Your Insurance Claim

A serious car accident can be a life-changing event, but what you do in the minutes, hours, and days afterward can make all the difference—especially when it comes to your auto insurance payout.

From getting immediate medical help to documenting evidence and working with your insurer, every step plays a role in protecting your financial recovery. Here’s a complete guide to what to do after a serious crash—and how to avoid mistakes that could hurt your insurance claim.

1. Prioritize Health and Safety First

Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or if there’s significant damage. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional right away.

Why This Matters for Insurance:

• Medical records provide key evidence of injury for Personal Injury Protection (PIP), MedPay, or liability claims.
• Delaying care can hurt both your health and your ability to recover compensation from your insurer.

2. Document Everything at the Scene

Once you’ve ensured safety and contacted emergency services, start documenting the accident as thoroughly as possible. Documentation of any injuries will be essential for legal proceedings, especially when involving a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer.

What to Capture:

• Photos of all vehicles, damage, skid marks, license plates, and surrounding road conditions
• Time, date, weather conditions
• Names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved
• Contact information for any eyewitnesses

Why This Matters for Insurance:

Accurate, detailed documentation strengthens your insurance claim and helps protect you in case of disputes about fault or injury severity.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Report the accident to your auto insurance provider as soon as possible—preferably within 24 hours. Most policies require prompt notice, and delays could jeopardize your coverage.

What to Share:

• Basic facts of the accident (date, time, location, parties involved)
• Police report number (if available)
• Your injuries and any treatment received

Tip: Stick to the facts. Avoid speculating or accepting fault—let the adjusters determine liability based on the evidence.

4. Understand Your Coverage and Rights

Knowing what your policy covers is key to getting the most from your claim. After a serious accident, several types of coverage may come into play:

Common Coverages That May Apply:

• Liability Insurance: Covers injuries or damage you cause to others
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle
• Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses regardless of fault (varies by state)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Covers you if the at-fault driver has no or insufficient insurance

Read your policy closely—or ask your insurer to explain your benefits in plain language.

5. Track All Accident-Related Expenses

Start a file to collect all documents and receipts related to the accident, including:

• Medical bills and prescriptions
• Repair estimates or invoices
• Rental car costs
• Proof of lost wages if you miss work
• Copays and insurance deductibles

This will help you build a strong claim and recover the full value of your losses.

6. Know When to Get Professional Help

While most insurance claims resolve without needing a lawyer, certain situations call for expert support:

• Your claim is denied or undervalued
• The at-fault driver is uninsured
• You’ve suffered severe injuries and long-term medical costs
• There are disputes over fault or compensation

In those cases, consider consulting a qualified personal injury attorney. Many work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win. A lawyer can help negotiate with the insurer and protect your rights—especially in states with complex insurance laws, like Pennsylvania or Michigan.

7. Be Aware of Deadlines

Each state has a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a car accident—often 2 to 3 years. But insurance companies may have much shorter deadlines for reporting a claim, sometimes just days or weeks after the crash.

Don’t wait. Missing key deadlines can result in a complete loss of coverage or the inability to pursue compensation.