Let me start by saying: I never thought I’d be the guy writing about what to do after a car accident. But here I am, with a neck brace on my bedside table, a stack of medical bills taller than my youngest kid, and way more experience in Salt Lake City traffic than I ever wanted.
A few weeks ago, I was rear-ended on I-15 during rush hour. Classic scenario, right? One minute, I’m listening to my “Dad Jams” playlist, mentally debating whether spaghetti or tacos should win the dinner lottery, and the next, BAM—my car lurches forward, and I’ve got the lovely imprint of another driver’s bumper on my trunk. Oh, and a killer case of whiplash. Fun times.
The accident itself? Total blur. What came after? An overwhelming tidal wave of stress. If you’re reading this because you’ve just been in an accident, take a deep breath. I’ve been there, and I can promise you it gets easier—especially if you know what to do right after it Continue reading happens. Here’s my guide to handling a car accident in Salt Lake City, step by step, based on my crash course (pun intended) in post-accident chaos.
Stay calm and check for injuries
First things first: breathe. I know that’s easier said than done when your heart’s racing and your car looks like an accordion, but panicking helps no one. Check yourself for injuries. For me, I felt a sharp pain in my neck and back right away. Spoiler alert: that was my body telling me I’d need weeks of physical therapy.
If you’re okay enough to move, check on anyone else involved. Call 911 if there are serious injuries (or even if you’re unsure—it’s better to be safe than sorry).
Move to safety, if possible
If your car is still drivable, try to get it off the road and onto the shoulder. Trust me, nothing makes a bad day worse than causing a traffic jam on I-15. Use your hazard lights to let other drivers know something’s up. If your car is totaled and can’t move (been there, done that), stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Call the police
In Salt Lake City, it’s a good idea to file a police report, even for what seems like a minor accident. Having that official record is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with insurance companies who’d rather pay you in Monopoly money. The officer at the scene will gather details, but it doesn’t hurt to jot down your own notes, too.
Document everything
Speaking of notes, this is where you channel your inner detective. Snap photos of everything: your car, their car, license plates, street signs, and skid marks (if any). Take pictures of any injuries, too—those will come in handy later.
I also recommend getting contact info from the other driver(s) and any witnesses. Pro tip: Be polite but don’t admit fault. Even if you feel like saying, “Oops, sorry, I probably hit the brakes too hard,” zip it. Fault is for the insurance companies to figure out.
Seek medical attention
Even if you feel fine, go see a doctor. Adrenaline is sneaky, and injuries can show up days later (hi, neck pain). I didn’t think I was that hurt until I woke up the next morning feeling like I’d been run over by a truck. Turns out, soft tissue injuries are no joke.
Your health should be your top priority, and having medical records can also strengthen your case if you need to file a claim. Plus, let’s be real, you don’t want to risk making things worse by toughing it out.
Contact your insurance company
Once you’ve gotten medical attention, it’s time to deal with insurance. Call your provider to report the accident, but don’t spill every detail just yet. They’ll ask you for basic info, so stick to the facts.
Oh, and when the other driver’s insurance company calls? Don’t get chatty. They’re not your friend, no matter how nice they sound. Instead, let a professional—like a car accident attorney in Salt Lake City—handle the heavy lifting.
Call a personal injury lawyer
If there’s one thing I learned, it’s this: you don’t have to go through this alone. After the at-fault driver’s insurance company offered me a laughable settlement (seriously, it wouldn’t even cover half my medical bills), I called Salt Lake Injury Law (Google Maps).
These folks are the real deal. They took the time to explain my options, gathered evidence to support my claim, and dealt with the insurance adjusters so I didn’t have to. Knowing someone had my back let me focus on what really mattered: healing and spending time with my family.
Take care of yourself
Recovering from a car accident isn’t just about fixing your car or covering bills—it’s about taking care of your mental and physical health. For me, that meant going to physical therapy (even when I wanted to bail), leaning on my wife for support, and finding small ways to stay positive (shoutout to my kids for their terrible knock-knock jokes that kept me laughing through it all).
At the end of the day, accidents happen, but they don’t have to derail your life. With the right steps and the right people in your corner, you can get through this—and come out stronger on the other side.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Salt Lake Injury Law or check out their Google Business profile for more info. They’ll walk you through everything, step by step, and make sure you’re not left holding the bag for someone else’s mistake.
And hey, if you see me cruising down I-15 again, give me a wave—but maybe keep a safe distance. My car and I have been through enough.
Salt Lake Injury Law is located at 3195 S Main St, Suite 198, South Salt Lake, UT 84115. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need reliable legal guidance, call (385) 444-7545 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
For trusted legal representation after an injury, visit Salt Lake Injury Law at 3195 S Main St, Suite 198, South Salt Lake, UT 84115. Call (385) 444-7545 to speak with a dedicated attorney who will handle your case on a contingency basis—no fees unless you win.