09/04/2026
Almost nobody thinks about this until they are standing at the side of a road with their hands shaking, so here is what to do in the first ten minutes after a collision.
People first. Check on everyone in every vehicle involved. Adrenaline masks injury remarkably well, and somebody who insists they are fine at the scene sometimes is not. If there is any doubt, that is what the call is for.
Safety second. Hazard lights on immediately. If the vehicles are drivable and sitting in a live lane, moving them to a shoulder or a lot is usually right, because being struck a second time while stopped in traffic is a real and underestimated risk. If they are not drivable, get people away from the vehicles and away from the roadway.
Report it. A report matters later even when everything seems friendly and agreed at the scene, because accounts change once insurance is involved.
Then photograph everything, and this is the part people skip and regret.
Wide shots showing both vehicles and their positions relative to the road, before anything moves. Close shots of every damaged area on every vehicle, including the other one. The other vehicle's plate. Skid marks, debris, the intersection, any signals or signs. Take more than you think you need.
You cannot go back and take those later, and they settle disputes that otherwise come down to two conflicting accounts.
Exchange information but keep the conversation short and factual, and do not discuss fault at the scene.
Everything after that can wait. Come see us when you are ready, and bring the photographs.
12411 Vincennes Rd. (708) 388-3993.
