Your First-Week Priorities (60-Second Summary)

If you’ve been in a car accident in Connecticut, the days that follow can feel overwhelming. *Focus on safety first,*
then evidence, medical care, and documentation. For an even more detailed, step-by-step breakdown (including evidence preservation and police report tips) review that resource.

Core priorities:

• Stay safe and call 911 if anyone is injured or the road is blocked — see 911 protocol and scene documentation.
• Exchange information with other drivers and collect witness contact details.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible — common collision injuries and delayed symptoms explained at common collision injuries and why symptoms can be delayed.
• Notify your insurance company early to protect your claim — for common insurance issues see 10 tactics car insurance use to deny and devalue your claim.
• Obtain your crash report and organize all documents and expenses.

Day 1: Do These Immediately

Step 1: Get to Safety and Assess Injuries

Your first priority is safety. If your vehicle is operable and it’s safe to move, pull to the side, turn on hazards,
and check for injuries. Call 911 if: anyone is injured, there’s significant vehicle damage, the road is blocked,
or you suspect the other driver is intoxicated.

Step 2: Understand Connecticut’s Stop-and-Aid Duties

Connecticut law requires certain actions after a crash. If the accident involves death or serious injury you must stop,
provide reasonable assistance, and share your information. See the statute: Connecticut General Statutes §14-224.

Step 3: Do Not Leave the Scene

Leaving the scene in cases of serious injury or death can be a felony. If you suspect a hit-and-run, learn more at
hit-and-run situation.

Step 4: Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Exchange: full name, address, phone, driver’s license number, plate number, insurer and policy number, and vehicle details.
Keep all exchanges factual; do not admit fault.

Step 5: Document the Scene Thoroughly

Use your phone to photograph vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, signage, road and weather conditions, and visible injuries.
Gather witness names and numbers and make written notes about the time, location, and your recollection of events.

Step 6: Get Medical Attention on Day 1

Adrenaline can mask injuries. Soft tissue damage and concussions may appear later. If you have concerning symptoms or any pain,
go to the ER or urgent care. For more on whiplash and documentation, see whiplash from car accident guide.

Day 1 Mini Checklist
☐ Moved to safety and turned on hazards
☐ Called 911 if needed
☐ Exchanged information with other driver(s)
☐ Took photos and videos of the scene
☐ Got witness contact information
☐ Wrote down notes about what happened
☐ Sought medical attention or scheduled an evaluation

Days 1–2: Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can — ideally the same day or the next morning. This starts the claims process
and documents the event while details are fresh. If you want to understand potential insurer tactics, see
common insurance “gotchas”.

Information to Have Ready

• Date, time, and location of the crash
• Name of the responding police department
• The other driver’s information and photos from the scene
• Witness names and contact information
• A basic, factual description of what happened

What to Say—and What to Avoid

Keep statements factual and brief. Avoid speculating about fault, downplaying injuries, or agreeing to recorded statements
before you’ve had time to gather information.

Days 2–4: Medical Documentation and Follow-Up

Schedule a follow-up appointment after any ER or urgent care visit. The follow-up reassesses symptoms, reviews imaging,
and documents progression. Delayed symptoms—especially neck pain and concussion signs—may emerge in this window.
If you notice new or worsening symptoms, review delayed whiplash symptoms.

What to Track and Save

• Keep a daily symptom log (date, time, pain level, affected area).
• Save medical records, bills, imaging, referrals, prescriptions, and mileage to appointments.
• Follow treatment recommendations—physical therapy and medication records matter.

Days 3–7: Administrative Tasks for the First Week After a Car Crash

Use the latter part of week one to get paperwork in order. These steps protect your rights and make later claims easier.

Step 1: Request the Police Crash Report

Connecticut uses the Uniform Police Crash Report (Form PR-1). Learn more on the CT Department of Transportation’s crash data collection page.

Step 2: When the Report Is Available

Reports typically appear online within ~10 business days. A fee (usually $16) may apply. See the state’s FAQ for details:
Connecticut State Police Reports and Records FAQ page.
For more about CT accident report requests and evidence-strengthening tips, see CT accident report requests and evidence-strengthening tips.

Step 3: Organize Your Claim File

By the end of the week, your folder should include claim numbers, photos, witness info, medical records, repair estimates,
towing receipts, rental car receipts, and proof of missed work.

Step 4: Track Expenses Daily

Save receipts for medical costs, transportation, household help, and other accident-related expenditures.

Step 5: Start the Car Repair Process

Obtain written estimates, understand repair-shop options, and ask insurers about rental coverage. Keep photos and any replaced parts if possible.

Step 6: Communication Reminders

Keep communications factual, put important items in writing, and do not post about the crash or your injuries on social media.
See guidance on how social media can impact your personal injury case.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Not every crash needs an attorney, but consult one if injuries are serious, fault is disputed, or insurance offers seem inadequate.
An attorney can evaluate offers, handle adjusters, identify responsible parties, and calculate full damages (including pain and suffering —
see can you get compensation for pain and suffering).

Consider calling a lawyer if you suffered serious injury, require surgery, have long-term treatment needs, face disputed fault,
are dealing with an uninsured driver, received a quick settlement before treatment finished, or missed substantial work.
If you want local counsel near Waterbury, see Waterbury car accident lawyer.
For statewide attorney guidance see finding Connecticut car accident lawyer.

Conclusion

The first week after a car accident shapes your recovery and any insurance or legal outcomes. In short:

• Day 1: Get to safety, call 911 if needed, exchange info, document the scene, seek medical care.
• Days 1–2: Notify your insurance company promptly.
• Days 2–4: Follow up medically and track symptoms.
• Days 3–7: Request the crash report, organize documents, track expenses, and start repairs.

If your situation is complex or you face pushback from insurers, consult a qualified attorney who understands Connecticut procedures.