What To Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident

It’s completely normal to feel disoriented after a collision. But the first 24 hours after a crash are some of the most critical hours of your entire claim.

What you do, and what you avoid, during this window can determine how strong your case is, what evidence survives, and whether the insurance company treats your injuries seriously.

Even minor fender-benders can lead to long-term pain, hidden injuries, or costly repairs. That’s why taking the proper steps early helps protect your health and your right to compensation.

Here’s what to do on the crucial first day after a collision and how an experienced Des Moines car accident lawyer can assist with your claim.

1. Prioritize Medical Attention — Even If You Feel Fine

Right after a collision, your body’s stress response can hide how badly you’re actually hurt. Many people walk away from the scene believing they weren’t harmed, only to wake up hours later with severe pain, stiffness, or symptoms of a concussion.

Always get medical care as soon as possible, either from emergency responders at the scene or at an urgent care or hospital afterward.

Why it matters:

• Your medical records create the first official documentation of your injuries.
• Early exams can catch internal injuries, whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue damage that may not show symptoms right away.
• Insurance companies often argue that delays in treatment mean you weren’t truly hurt.

Prompt medical attention protects your health and closes the door on many common insurance company excuses.

2. Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

If you’re able, use your phone to capture as much evidence as possible before you leave the scene. Photographs and videos taken immediately after a crash can make a difference to the outcome of your claim.

Document the following:

• Vehicle damage (all angles)
• Road conditions, weather, traffic signals, and skid marks
• Your visible injuries
• The other driver’s vehicle, license plate, and any debris
• Surrounding businesses or homes that may have cameras

If any witnesses stop to help, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements can be helpful if liability is disputed.

This type of real-time documentation is powerful evidence; something that can disappear quickly once cars are towed, the weather changes, or repairs begin.

3. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Under Iowa Code § 321.263, drivers are required to stop and exchange identifying and insurance information following an accident. Get the following details:

• Driver’s full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate
• Insurance company and policy number

Keep the conversation brief and factual. Do not apologize or discuss fault, even if it’s done casually. Statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” can be used against you later, even when you weren’t at fault.

If the other driver refuses to cooperate, becomes hostile, or leaves the scene, notify law enforcement immediately.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company Quickly

Your insurance policy likely requires you to report the accident promptly, even if you weren’t at fault. Share the basic details of the crash, but do not agree to a recorded statement before getting legal advice.

Insurance adjusters may:

• Push for quick, low-value settlements
• Misinterpret or twist your statements
• Minimize your injuries
• Ask leading questions to limit the payout

Stick to the facts: where the crash happened, the vehicles involved, and whether you sought medical treatment. Decline to discuss fault or provide unnecessary details.

5. Contact a Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer Early

One of the most important steps you can take in the first 24 hours is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer. The earlier your attorney becomes involved, the better they can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and manage communication with insurance companies.

At MSMC Injury Lawyers, our Des Moines car accident lawyers can help by:

• Securing accident scene evidence before it disappears
• Obtaining police reports and surveillance footage
• Helping you navigate medical treatment and insurance claims
• Handling all communication with insurers so you avoid costly mistakes
• Calculating the full value of your injury claim
• Protecting you from pressure to settle too quickly

Car accident claims are time sensitive. Skid marks don’t last, vehicles get repaired, and witness memories can become unclear. Early legal action ensures nothing important slips through the cracks.

Why Early Action Matters

The initial 24 hours set the tone for your entire case. By acting quickly, you:

• Strengthen the link between the accident and your injuries
• Preserve critical evidence that may otherwise be lost
• Prevent insurance companies from controlling the narrative
• Protect your ability to pursue fair compensation

Skipping these steps, or delaying them, can weaken your claim, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.

When You’re Hurt, You Deserve Support — Start With a Free Case Review

After a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of your next steps. Our attorneys at MSMC Injury Lawyers ensure that no one faces a legal battle alone.

With more than 56 years of combined experience and a track record of representing thousands of injured clients, we know how to protect your rights and build a strong claim from the start.

Contact our Des Moines car accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your accident claim and legal options for recovering compensation.