Top Things to Do After a Serious Crash

A serious car crash can turn your life upside down in seconds. One moment you’re driving to work or running errands, and the next you’re dealing with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and a long list of questions. In the shock and confusion that follow, it’s easy to overlook steps that could affect your health, your finances, and any claim you may have down the road.

Knowing what to do ahead of time can make a stressful situation a little easier to handle. Below, we’ll walk through the most important things to do after a serious crash in Wisconsin and explain how working with top car accident attorneys like ours can help protect your interests while you focus on recovering.

Checking for Injuries and Calling 911

Your first priority after any crash is safety. Check yourself for injuries, then check on your passengers and anyone in the other vehicles if you’re able. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away and let the dispatcher know about any injuries, hazards, or vehicles blocking the road.

Even if you feel fine, it’s still a good idea to call for help after a serious collision. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries aren’t obvious at the scene. Emergency responders can provide care, secure the area, and make sure the crash is properly reported.

Moving to Safety When Possible

If your vehicle can be moved and no one is seriously hurt, pull over to the shoulder or a nearby safe area to reduce the risk of another collision. Turn on your hazard lights and use flares or reflective triangles if you have them, especially at night or in poor weather.

Wisconsin roads can be especially dangerous after a crash during the winter months, when ice, snow, and limited visibility make it harder for other drivers to stop. If you can’t move your vehicle safely, stay buckled in or move to a safe spot away from traffic while you wait for help.

Reporting the Crash to Police

When police arrive, give them a clear, factual account of what happened. Stick to what you know, and avoid guessing about speeds, distances, or who was at fault. Let the officer know if you’re hurt, even if the pain seems minor.

A police report can become an important record of the crash. It often includes details about the scene, the drivers involved, witness information, and the officer’s observations. Before you leave, ask how you can get a copy of the report, since it may be useful when dealing with insurance companies later.

Documenting the Scene

If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the scene before vehicles are moved. Capture damage to all vehicles, skid marks, debris, traffic signs, road conditions, and weather. Pictures of any visible injuries can also be helpful.

Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Independent witnesses can provide valuable accounts of what happened, and their memories fade quickly. Write down your own notes as soon as you can, including the time, location, direction of travel, and anything the other driver said. These details may seem small now, but they can make a big difference later.

Exchanging Information Carefully

Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other drivers involved. It’s also helpful to note the make, model, and color of each vehicle.

Be polite, but keep the conversation focused on the facts. Avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, even if you’re just trying to be courteous. Fault can be complicated to determine, and statements made at the scene may be used later by insurance companies.

Getting Medical Care Right Away

Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is one of the most important steps after a serious crash. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, internal injuries, and spinal damage, may not show symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation can help catch these issues early and get you started on the right treatment.

Your medical records also create documentation that connects your injuries to the crash. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep track of how your injuries affect your daily life. Gaps in treatment can make it harder to show the full impact of your injuries.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require you to report a crash promptly. When you contact your insurer, provide the basic facts, but be careful about giving detailed statements before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.

You may also hear from the other driver’s insurance company. Their adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. It’s wise to speak with an attorney before agreeing to either. Top car accident attorneys like ours can explain your options and help you avoid statements or agreements that could limit your recovery.

Keeping Records of Expenses and Losses

A serious crash can bring a wide range of costs. Keep copies of medical bills, prescription receipts, vehicle repair estimates, rental car costs, and any other expenses related to the crash. If you miss work, keep records of your lost wages and time off.

It can also help to keep a simple journal describing your pain, limitations, and how the injuries affect your daily routine. These records paint a clearer picture of what you’ve been through and can be important when seeking fair compensation. Our top car accident attorneys can use this documentation to help show how the crash has affected your life.

Understanding Wisconsin Deadlines

Legal claims after a crash have time limits, and missing them can prevent you from recovering compensation. According to Wisconsin.gov, a lawsuit to recover damages for injury to real or personal property caused by a motor vehicle accident generally must be started within three years after the cause of action accrues, or the claim may be barred.

Other types of claims may have different deadlines, and certain situations can affect how those deadlines apply. Because every case is different, it’s important to talk with an attorney early. Our top car accident attorneys can review your situation, explain which deadlines may apply, and help keep important dates from slipping by.

Talking With an Attorney Early

The days and weeks after a serious crash can be stressful. Between medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and calls from insurance companies, it’s hard to know where to turn. Speaking with an attorney early can give you clarity about your rights and the steps ahead.

An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and evaluate the full value of your damages. Working with top car accident attorneys like ours means you have someone looking out for your interests while you focus on healing. Many personal injury firms, including ours, offer a free consultation, so there’s no cost to learn about your options.

At Maeder Law Firm, we’ve been helping injured people from the same Wausau location for more than 50 years. Our attorneys work directly on each case, keep clients informed, and respond promptly to questions. We serve clients throughout Central and Northern Wisconsin, including Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, Rhinelander, and Eagle River. As top car accident attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us a fee unless we recover money for you. Contact Maeder Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation.