3 steps to protect yourself legally after car accidents, avoid costly lawsuits
In the U.S., there are between five and six million car accidents on roadways each year.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated 20,620 crashes in 2024, and 22,004 already in 2025.
Thomas Feiter is the CEO of Fighter Law, an Orlando-based firm specializing in personal injury and criminal defense.
“The decisions you make in the first few minutes after an accident will shape everything that follows,” Feiter said. “Most people are in shock and don’t realize that every action, or inaction, becomes part of their legal record.”
Here are three non-negotiable steps every driver should take to protect themselves and avoid potential insurance disputes in car accidents.
Prioritize safety and call 911 immediately
First priorities after any accident should be getting everyone to safety.
If your vehicle is driveable, move it to the shoulder or side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or reflective triangles if you have them to alert other drivers.
Once everyone is safe, call 911 to report the accident.
“People might think they can skip calling police for minor fender-benders, but that’s a mistake that can have serious consequences,” Feiter said.
The police report created by responding officers is a crucial piece of evidence if you face a lawsuit later.
“Without an official report, it becomes much more difficult to establish what actually happened, which can complicate insurance claims and legal proceedings,” he said.
Document everything with photos, copy information
After an accident, Feiter recommends taking photos of the vehicle damage from multiple angles, license plates, surrounding road conditions, traffic signs and any visible injuries.
These images create an undeniable record of the scene that can’t be disputed later.
Make a copy of contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, as well as contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
“I’ve seen cases where a single witness statement completely changed the outcome,” Feiter said. “Witnesses provide objective accounts of what happened, which can be invaluable in determining fault and liability.”
He recommends writing down exactly what happened while it’s fresh in your memory, including weather conditions, time of day and what each driver was doing before the collision.
Get medical attention even if you feel fine
Experts say seeking medical attention immediately protects you legally even if you feel perfectly fine.
“Medical documentation is essential for any potential injury claim,” Feiter said. “Even a delay of just a few days in seeking treatment can raise questions about the connection between the accident and any injuries that develop.”
Adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms like whiplash, concussions or internal injuries.
Getting checked by a medical professional even if you don’t feel hurt right then creates a documented link between the accident and any injuries.
“Drivers often think that if they weren’t seriously injured, they don’t need to worry about legal action,” he said. “But even minor accidents can result in significant medical bills and property damage claims.”
This story was originally published June 9, 2025 at 9:01 AM.
