What to Do After a Car Accident in Idaho

J.W. Bond walks through getting help, documenting a crash safely, following medical advice, and considering legal help after a car accident.

J.W. Bond1:25Published

Put safety and needed medical care first. Collect evidence only when it is safe. Emergency response and police investigations vary; the video does not guarantee that a particular agency will attend or investigate. Give truthful information and avoid guessing about fault.

A short guide to the first steps after a crash

The video covers emergency assistance, photographs and other evidence, medical care, statements about fault, and how an attorney can help with an injury claim. Read the full crash checklist for the reporting, information-exchange, and insurance details that a short video cannot cover.

  • Get help and address safety before gathering evidence.
  • Photograph the scene and preserve information when you can do so safely.
  • Follow medical advice after an injury.
  • Give truthful information and avoid guessing about what caused the crash.
  • An attorney can help review evidence, insurance issues, and your options.

Edited video transcript

Lightly edited for punctuation and readability. The contact number is shown as the firm's verified number, 208-314-8888, because the automatic captions omit a digit. The transcript preserves the video's statements; see the context above and the full checklist for additional detail.

Many people ask me, “What should I do right after a car accident?” It's important that you call law enforcement. You get an ambulance there if you need help. If you're injured, the fire department will show up and make sure that the scene is safe.

After things are safe, you need to start collecting evidence. Police are obviously going to do an investigation, but there are things you can do and observe that help you later on. Taking pictures: the officers are supposed to take photos of the scene, but many times they don't. So you can be your best investigator. Take photos.

Now, if you're injured, obviously follow medical advice. Go with the ambulance or go to the doctor. Don't tough it out.

What should I say after an accident? Should I apologize? Going over to someone after you've been in an accident and telling them you're sorry seems like the right thing to do, but unfortunately, the other side might use that as evidence that you were at fault.

Lastly, you should absolutely call an attorney. Getting an attorney involved early, making sure the investigation is done correctly, making sure that you get all the medical care you need, and making sure the insurance company treats you fairly are all things an attorney can help you with.

If you want more information about this topic, give me a call at 208-314-8888 or visit our website at attorneysofidaho.com.

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This video provides general information, not legal or medical advice. The appropriate steps depend on the circumstances of the crash.