Hawk Law Group | February 13, 2025 | Car Accidents
By Chace Hawk, Personal Injury Attorney, Hawk Law Group
A car accident can flip your life upside down in seconds.
One moment, you’re driving normally—then suddenly, you’re dealing with pain, confusion, and the chaos of the crash.
While you’re vulnerable, insurance companies are already working against you, looking for ways to pay you as little as possible.
As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen them use delay tactics, lowball offers, and legal loopholes to deny victims what they deserve.
But you don’t have to let them win.
Taking the right steps after an accident can mean the difference between fair compensation and financial disaster. Here’s how to fight back.
Do’s and Don’ts After a Car Accident
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Call 911 immediately for help. | Do not leave the scene before authorities arrive. |
| Gather as much evidence as possible. | Avoid apologizing or admitting fault. |
| Take photos and videos of the accident scene. | Don’t accept an early settlement from insurance. |
| Get contact information from witnesses. | Avoid discussing the accident on social media. |
| Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. | Do not ignore injuries that may appear later. |
| Remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. | Don’t argue with the other driver at the scene. |
| Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking to insurance. | Avoid giving a recorded statement to insurers. |
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Your first and most important concern is your health.
Nothing a lawyer or an insurance company does can undo physical damage caused by a crash—that’s the job of medical professionals.
Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately.
If someone is severely injured, do not move them unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire. EMS professionals are trained to assess and stabilize injuries properly.
Call 911 and Request Both Medical and Police Assistance
Dialing 911 ensures that emergency responders arrive at the scene promptly.
EMTs will assess injuries, and law enforcement officers will investigate the crash.
Having a police report is critical in determining fault and securing your legal rights.
Police can also document roadway conditions, traffic signals, and any statements made by the other driver, which could become crucial evidence.
To obtain a copy of the police report, contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. Most reports are available within a few days and can be requested online, in person, or by mail. Be prepared to provide details such as the date, time, and location of the crash, as well as the case number if available.
This report will serve as an official record of the accident and can be vital in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Limit Conversations With the Other Driver
AVOID making statements like “I’m fine” or “I’m sorry”.
These can be used against you later by insurance companies.
If someone asks how you are, you can say something neutral like:
- “I need to get checked by a doctor.”
- “I’m shaken up, and I want to make sure everything is okay.”
- “I’ll need to assess things before I can comment.”
It’s natural for the other driver to ask if you’re okay, but even a casual “I’m fine” can be used to argue that your injuries are not severe.
Likewise, avoid giving the other driver a piece of your mind—arguing at the scene can escalate tensions and even result in criminal charges.
Stick to exchanging necessary information.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
The damage to all vehicles – Take photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches, and broken parts. Capture both wide shots and detailed images to show the extent of the damage.
Your injuries (if visible) – Use natural light and avoid filters. Take photos immediately after the accident and continue documenting injuries over the following days as bruises, swelling, or other effects become more apparent.
Roadway conditions, traffic signals, and obstacles – Snap photos of skid marks, potholes, debris, or any obstructions that may have contributed to the accident. Ensure traffic signals, signs, and weather conditions (like wet roads) are included in your images.
Where the vehicles came to rest – Stand back and take wide-angle shots showing the position of all vehicles relative to each other and surrounding landmarks. This helps reconstruct how the accident occurred.
License plates and contact information of witnesses – Clearly photograph the license plates of all involved vehicles. For witnesses, take a picture of their business card or save their contact details in your phone’s notes to ensure accuracy.
Cooperate with Law Enforcement but Be Mindful of What You Say
When dealing with the police, be calm and courteous.
If you suspect the other driver was intoxicated or distracted (such as texting), inform the officer so they can investigate.
Also, take note of anything the other driver says that may indicate fault.
The police report will play a crucial role in your claim, so make sure to provide clear, factual information without making speculative statements.
If the other driver says something like “I didn’t see you” or “I was checking my phone,” discreetly note it down. These admissions of fault can be powerful evidence later.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident—sometimes even while you’re still in the hospital.
Do not provide a recorded statement or discuss the accident with them.
They have trained scripts designed to get you to say things that could hurt your claim.
We’ve seen cases where insurance companies call victims while they’re still in the ambulance, attempting to settle quickly.
You can use one of our car accident attorneys to handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your rights.
Related: Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need to Hire an Augusta Car Accident Lawyer? – Hawk Law Group
Stay Off Social Media
One of the biggest mistakes people make is posting about the accident on social media.
Anything you say online can be used against you in a legal case.
Even seemingly harmless posts like “Had a rough day” or pictures of your car can be taken out of context by insurance adjusters.
Stay silent online about your accident until your case is resolved.
Contact Hawk Law Group for Expert Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t navigate this complex process alone.
Our personal injury attorneys at Hawk Law Group are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
📍 Augusta, GA – 338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901 | (706) 810-9118
📍 Evans, GA – 4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809 | (706) 863-6500
📍 Thomson, GA – 146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824 | (706) 361-0350
📍 Waynesboro, GA – 827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830 | (706) 437-9122
📍 Aiken County, SC – 156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 226-9089
We proudly serve clients throughout the Central Savannah River Area, including Edgefield County, SC. Contact us today for a free case evaluation!
FAQ
How To Report an Accident to Insurance
Reporting an accident to your insurance company is a necessary step, but it must be done carefully.
Stick to the basic facts—where and when the accident happened—without speculating about fault or injuries.
Many policies require you to report accidents within a certain timeframe, so check your policy details. If you’re unsure how to proceed, consulting an attorney first can prevent you from making a statement that may be used against you.
Do I Call My Insurance After an Accident?
Yes, you should notify your insurance company, but keep it brief. Only provide necessary details like the time, location, and parties involved. Avoid admitting fault or discussing injuries until you’ve consulted a lawyer.