Right After the Accident

• What if there were no witnesses to the accident?

  Not all accidents have witnesses, and that’s okay. While witnesses can be helpful, other information still matters, such as photos, police reports, vehicle damage, medical records, and insurance details. If there were no witnesses, it’s especially important to document what you can and be careful about how the accident is described. If you’re concerned about how this affects your situation, we can help explain what typically matters next.Few readers

• What if the accident wasn’t my fault?

  Even if the accident clearly wasn’t your fault, there are still important steps to take. You should document what happened, get medical care if needed, and be careful when speaking with insurance companies. Fault is not always determined immediately, and details can matter later. It’s common for people to assume everything will be handled automatically when the other driver is at fault. In reality, it can still help to understand your options and protect yourself early on. If you’d like helpFew readers

• What if my car accident happened a few days ago?

  It’s very common for people to wait a few days before looking for information or reaching out for help. Even if some time has passed, there may still be steps you should take, such as getting medical care, documenting what you remember, or reviewing insurance communications. Waiting a few days does not automatically prevent you from taking action. What matters is what you do next. If you’d like to talk through your situation and understand your options, I can help arrange a follow-up.Few readers

• What if my accident involved a truck or commercial vehicle?

  Accidents involving trucks or commercial vehicles can be more complicated than standard car accidents. There may be additional parties involved, such as companies or insurers, and different rules can apply. Because of this, it’s especially important to document everything and be cautious when communicating afterward. If your accident involved a delivery truck, work vehicle, or commercial driver, it may help to get guidance early. If you want, I can help arrange a callback or email to discussFew readers

• What if the accident was partly my fault?

  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 stepFew readers

At the Scene

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

  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.Few readers

• I was just in a car accident. What should I do first?

  Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially in the moment. The most important thing to focus on first is safety. If you’re able to do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, or if you’re unsure, call 911 right away. Once everyone is safe, try to stay calm. What you do in the first few minutes can make the situation easier to manage later. If you’d like help understanding neFew readers

• Should I call the police after a car accident?

  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 heFew readers

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

  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 qFew readers