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

• 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

• 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 helpFew 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

Right After the Accident

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

  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.Few readers

• What if the accident wasn’t my fault?

  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 insuranceFew 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