What immediate steps should I take following a car accident?

After a car accident, deal with safety and medical needs first. Once you are safe, gather what you can and keep a record of what happened. You do not need to have every document before asking for help.

The legal information below concerns crashes in Kansas. If your crash happened in Missouri, the applicable rules may differ.

Stop and get help

Call 911 if someone is injured or there is an immediate danger. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not walk into traffic or delay medical care to take pictures.

Kansas law requires a driver involved in a crash causing injury, death, or damage to attended vehicles or property to stop and remain until the required duties are fulfilled. K.S.A. 8-1602.

Report the crash and exchange information

If no officer is present, Kansas law requires an immediate report to the nearest authorized police agency when someone is injured or killed, apparent property damage is $1,000 or more, or the people entitled to receive the required information are absent or unable to receive it. K.S.A. 8-1604.

Exchange the required driver and vehicle information. Ask for the other driver’s insurance company and policy number, and keep the information you receive. If police respond, ask for the agency name and report number.

Describe what happened honestly. If you did not see something or cannot remember it, say so. Do not guess about speed, distances, or another driver’s intentions.

Calling the police does not guarantee that an officer will collect every piece of evidence. Do not assume that a report includes photographs, witness interviews, or camera footage.

Gather information only when it is safe

If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, signs, and surrounding area. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Keep original photos and any dashcam files you have.

If injuries prevented you from doing those things, tell your lawyer. Start with the date, location, and details you remember. You can work from an incomplete file.

Get medical help for your injuries

For medical questions, contact a qualified medical professional. Explain that you were in a crash and describe your symptoms accurately. Follow the medical advice you receive, and ask your provider about symptoms or concerns that arise afterward.

Keep the treatment records, appointment information, prescriptions, and bills you receive. Do not rely on an arbitrary number of days as a rule for when to seek care or whether you have an injury claim.

Keep your records together

Save the crash report number, photos, repair estimates, insurance letters, and other related documents in one place. Keep a record of missed work and any written work restrictions.

A short, dated note about your symptoms and daily activities can help you remember details. Keep it factual. There is no need to exaggerate or write a long account every day.

Save requests you receive from insurers. If you do not understand a request, form, or proposed settlement, ask a lawyer to explain it. Do not ignore notices or assume that this article changes any deadline or policy requirement.

Talk with an injury lawyer

A lawyer can review the available facts, explain the issues that need investigation, and discuss possible next steps. You do not need a complete crash report or a finished course of treatment before asking questions.

Biesterveld & Crook handles roadway injury cases throughout Kansas. Contact us for a free consultation about your crash. For more information about these cases, visit our car accident page.

This article provides general information about Kansas law. It is not legal advice for a specific claim and does not create an attorney-client relationship.