Knowing what to do after a car accident can keep you and your passengers safe and help protect you later on. In part one of this two-part video series, Dr. Ryley Layden of RAK Chiropractic in Rochester walks through the first steps to take at the scene, from checking on everyone to documenting the damage.
Video Summary
Car accidents happen in a split second, and it is normal to feel shaken up and confused afterward. Dr. Ryley shares a simple checklist to help you remember what matters most in those first few minutes.
1. Check on Everyone in Your Vehicle
Start with the people in your own car. Check on your passengers and look for any major injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away.
2. Make Sure the Area Is Safe, Then Check on Others
Look around before you get out. If the surroundings are safe, step out and check on anyone else involved. If someone is seriously injured, have someone call 911 immediately.
3. Document Everything
Dr. Ryley calls this one of the most important steps, and it is easy to forget. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including:
- The weather at the time of the accident
- Who was involved
- Where it happened, including nearby signs or landmarks
- Vehicle damage and the points of impact
4. Exchange Information
Share information with the other people involved. The easiest way is to take a picture of their driver’s license or ID.
5. Get Medical Help When It Is Needed
If there is any medical emergency, call for an ambulance. Emergency responders can walk you through whether they need to examine you on scene or whether you should go to the hospital.
Why Some Injuries Show Up Later
Dr. Ryley closes with the biggest point of the video. Some injuries from a car accident are not obvious right away, and you may not realize you are dealing with one until later. If that sounds familiar, learn more about auto accident injury treatment in Rochester.
That is exactly what Part 2 covers: what to do after you leave the scene so you can get checked and recover the right way. Read Part 2 of the series here.
