Intersection crashes happen quickly and often leave drivers shaken and unsure of what to do next. Whether another driver ran a red light, made an unsafe turn, or failed to yield, the moments after a crash are important. Knowing what to do can make a difference when it comes to medical care, insurance claims, and any legal steps that follow.
Get Medical Help Right Away
Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. If anyone is hurt, request emergency medical assistance. Even if you feel fine at the moment, injuries may not appear until hours or days later. A medical report also serves as documentation that can support any future claims.
Document The Scene Carefully
If you can safely do so, take photos of the cars, the road, the traffic signals, and any visible damage or injuries. This can help establish the conditions of the scene. Try to get contact information from witnesses and exchange details with the other driver. Do not make statements about fault and avoid confrontations. Let the officers sort out the details in their report.
Cooperate With Police At The Scene
When police arrive, give them a clear and factual account of what happened. Avoid guessing or assuming. Ask for the report number or how to request a copy later. This document often becomes part of the evidence in personal injury cases.
Speak To Your Insurance Company
Let your insurer know about the accident as soon as possible. Provide basic facts about the crash and let them know a report was filed. Keep any communication focused on what happened, not who was at fault or how badly you were injured. Your claim adjuster will collect further information later if needed.
Get Medical Follow Up And Keep Records
If you went to the emergency room, make sure to follow up with your doctor. Save records from every visit, test, or treatment. This helps create a full picture of your recovery. Delays in care or gaps in your records can weaken your claim.
Be Careful About Settlement Offers
Sometimes, an insurance company may reach out quickly with an offer. Before accepting or signing anything, it is a good idea to talk to a legal professional. A settlement may not reflect the full value of your injuries, lost income, or future treatment.
Our friends at Rasmussen & Miner discuss how attorneys familiar with intersection cases can review what happened and offer direction early on. A legal team can contact witnesses, gather evidence, and handle insurance calls on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
Why Legal Support Can Help After A Crash
Intersection collisions often involve conflicting accounts about who had the right of way. That is where having a red light accident lawyer becomes helpful. They can review traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction, and other sources to build a strong case.
Taking the right steps early gives you more control over your situation. If you were injured in an intersection crash, learning more about your options is one of the most important things you can do.
