Question 1

What should I say — or not say — after a car accident?

Accepted Answer

After an accident, it’s best to stick to the facts.

Try not to apologize or admit fault at the scene, even if you feel shaken or unsure. Fault is something that gets determined later, and statements made in the moment can sometimes be misunderstood.

When speaking with police or insurance representatives, calmly explain what happened without guessing or assigning blame.

If you’re unsure how to handle conversations after an accident, we can help guide you through it.

Question 2

Do I really need to see a doctor if I feel okay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s strongly recommended.

Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Things like whiplash or internal injuries can take hours or even days to appear.

Seeing a medical professional helps protect your health and also creates a record of any injuries related to the accident. That record can matter later if insurance or legal questions come up.

If you haven’t seen a doctor yet and aren’t sure what to do, we can help you think through next steps.

Question 3

What information should I collect at the scene of the accident?

Accepted Answer

If it’s safe and you’re able to, gathering basic information at the scene can be very helpful later.

Try to collect:

Names and contact details of everyone involved
Insurance information
License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
Names and contact info for any witnesses

If you have a phone, take photos of:

Vehicle damage
The accident scene from multiple angles
Road conditions or traffic signs nearby

This information can be useful when speaking with insurance companies or if questions come up later.

If you weren’t able to collect everything, that’s okay.

We can still help you understand your options.

Question 4

Should I call the police after a car accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s usually a good idea to contact the police. An officer can come to the scene and create an official accident report. This report can be important later when dealing with insurance companies or questions about what happened. If you’re in Springfield or the surrounding area, you can contact local police or state police to report the accident and request assistance. If you’re unsure whether your situation requires a report, we can talk it through and help you decide what to do next.

Question 5

What if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Accepted Answer

Why it matters:

People often assume “not my fault = I’m fine”
This article gently explains why steps still matter

Key angle:

Still document
Still get medical care
Still be careful with insurance

Question 6

What if the accident was partly my fault?

Accepted Answer

Many accidents are not black and white. It’s common for people to worry that they can’t do anything if they were partially at fault.

Being partly at fault does not automatically mean you have no options. Liability can be shared, and details like injuries, insurance coverage, and circumstances still matter.

It’s important not to assume the outcome on your own or say more than necessary at the scene.

If you’re unsure how fault might affect your situation, we can help you think through next steps.

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