Car accidents are stressful, overwhelming, and confusing. In the heat of the moment, it’s hard to think straight. But knowing who to call first can protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial future. This blog will walk you through each step in a clear, simple way so you know exactly what to do after a crash.

Prioritize Safety First

Before you even reach for your phone, make sure you’re safe. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further danger. Turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

If anyone appears seriously hurt, do not attempt to move them unless there’s an immediate threat (like a fire). Call 911 right away.

Once everyone is safe, it’s time to begin the process of making important phone calls.

Call 911 Immediately

The first call you should make after a car accident is to 911. Even if the crash seems minor, calling emergency services ensures:

• Police will come to the scene to file an official accident report
• Medical personnel can treat any injuries immediately
• There’s a legal record of what happened

Police reports are critical pieces of evidence in personal injury cases. They document the time, location, damage, and possible fault. Without this report, it becomes your word against the other driver’s. So never skip this step.

Plus, in New York, you’re legally required to call the police if there’s injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.

Contact Medical Professionals

Even if you don’t feel pain right away, call your doctor or go to an urgent care center as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma often show up hours—or days—later.

Here’s why this step matters:

• Your health is the top priority
• Medical records serve as proof of injury in legal claims
• Early treatment can prevent long-term damage

Delaying medical care could weaken your case and delay your recovery.

Call a Personal Injury Attorney Next

After contacting emergency services and a medical provider, your next call should be to a personal injury attorney—especially one experienced in car accident claims.

Here’s why you need a lawyer early:

• Insurance companies start building a case against you immediately
• A lawyer can protect you from saying something that could be used to deny your claim
• Your attorney will deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to

The sooner you involve legal help, the better your chances of full compensation. At Mesadieu Law, we walk you through every step from the beginning.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you’re safe, treated, and legally represented, you need to notify your insurance provider. Most policies require you to report the accident promptly—some within 24 hours.

Be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts:

• Where and when the accident happened
• The type of accident (rear-end, sideswipe, etc.)
• The number of vehicles involved

Avoid speculating or admitting fault. Let your attorney guide any further communication.

What About the Other Driver’s Insurance?

You don’t need to contact the other driver’s insurance company yourself. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Let your attorney handle it. Why?

• Their adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly
• They may record your call and use your words against you
• They don’t have your best interest at heart

If they reach out to you, politely decline to speak and refer them to your attorney.

Do I Need to Call My Employer?

If your accident causes you to miss work, you should inform your employer as soon as possible. Keep them updated about:

• Your injuries
• Your expected recovery timeline
• Any work restrictions from your doctor

Document everything. This information may become important if you file for lost wages through your PIP coverage or pursue additional compensation.

Should I Call Family and Friends?

After an accident, it’s natural to want support from loved ones. Feel free to call a trusted family member or friend for emotional support or practical help.

However, be cautious about discussing the accident in detail. Don’t post about it on social media. Even a casual post or message could later be used against your case.

Stick to this simple rule: Talk to your lawyer first before talking to anyone else about the accident.

Document Everything During and After the Calls

Each call you make is part of building your case. Take notes. Save names, times, and details of what was said.

You should also:

• Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage
• Save medical bills and reports
• Keep a daily journal of how your injuries affect your life

This information can make or break your case later.

What If I’m Too Injured to Make Calls?

If you’re seriously injured, a family member or trusted friend can make some of these calls for you. Your lawyer can also step in to manage communications, especially with insurance companies and medical providers.

Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed or frustrated. Reach out for help right away. That’s exactly what we do at Mesadieu Law—we step in so you can focus on healing.

Order Matters: The Call Sequence You Should Follow

To simplify things, here’s the recommended order for calls after an accident:

1. Call 911 for emergency assistance
2. Call a doctor or go to urgent care
3. Call a personal injury attorney
4. Call your insurance company
5. Call your employer, if applicable
6. Call a trusted friend or family member for help or support

This order protects your health, your rights, and your ability to recover full compensation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Post-Accident Calls

In the chaos after a crash, it’s easy to make innocent mistakes. But even small missteps can hurt your case. Here are the most common errors:

• Admitting fault to police or insurers before getting legal advice
• Giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer
• Delaying medical treatment
• Posting about the accident on social media

Avoid these by staying calm, focused, and letting professionals guide the process.

When Should You Call Mesadieu Law?

Immediately after the accident. The earlier we’re involved, the more we can do to protect you.

We’ll handle:

• Communicating with insurers
• Gathering evidence
• Filing claims and paperwork
• Representing you in negotiations or court

We have years of experience helping car accident victims in New York. Our team understands how stressful and confusing this process can be. That’s why we stay right by your side.

We Make It Easy to Call Us

You don’t need to wait for office hours. At Mesadieu Law, we’re available 24/7. Just one call and we can begin helping you immediately.

Whether your accident was minor or severe, whether you’re unsure about what to do next or overwhelmed by paperwork—reach out.

Call 844-3-RIGHT-BY-YOU (844) 374-4482.  Mesadieu Law. Right By You.