1. 1

   Get medical help now

   • Call 911 if you may need emergency help, even if you are not sure. Examples include trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, passing out, feeling confused, throwing up again and again, or a headache that gets worse.
   • For other injuries, call a doctor or urgent care clinic today. Say how you got hurt. Head injury problems may start hours or days later. Call a doctor if new problems start or get worse.
2. 2

   Take photos. Get names and phone numbers.

   • If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, road, damage and your injuries. Get each driver’s name and phone number. Save photos of their insurance cards and license plates.
   • Get phone numbers for people who saw the crash. Ask police how to get a copy of the crash report.
   • If you already left, ask people who saw the crash to send photos and videos. Keep the photos and videos without changing them.
3. 3

   Do not post on social media

   • Do not share new photos, videos or updates on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or other social media. An insurance company may use even private posts to say your injury is not serious.
   • Keep your old posts, photos and messages. Do not delete or change them. Ask friends and family not to post about you.
4. 4

   Follow your doctor’s instructions

   • Tell your doctor about all health problems, including poor sleep, and old injuries. Ask: “What should I do? When can I work or drive?” Ask for written answers.
   • Go to every medical visit. If you miss one, call the clinic for a new appointment. Ask the clinic for help if you cannot pay or need a ride.
5. 5

   If an insurance company calls, call Samantha first.

   • Call Samantha before you sign insurance papers or let an insurance company record your answers. Tell your own insurance company about the crash soon. Follow its steps to report the crash.
   • Write down the caller’s name and company. Ask for your claim number. This is the number for your insurance case.
   • Do not guess who caused the crash or how badly you are hurt. If you are not sure, say: “I don’t know yet.” Ask the caller to send you a written list of what they need and by what date.
6. 6

   Keep medical bills and papers showing your pay

   • Keep medical bills, papers from your doctor, receipts and papers showing your pay in one folder. Write down the days you missed work and the pay you lost.
   • If you cannot work, ask your doctor for a note for your boss. Write true notes about your pain and what you cannot do. Example: “My knee hurt on the stairs today.”
   • If a truck was involved: Save the company name and the number beside the letters “USDOT” on the truck. If you rode a motorcycle: Keep the helmet, clothes, gloves and shoes you wore.
7. 7

   Ask about costs before you rent a car

   • Ask your insurance company: “Will you pay for the rental car? How much each day? How much in all? When will you stop paying?”
   • If your car cannot be fixed, ask when the company will stop paying for your rental car. Ask for written answers and a list of costs you must pay.
8. 8

   Before you accept insurance money, call Samantha.

   • A settlement means taking money to end your case. You may not get more money later, even if you still need medical care.
   • Ask: “Does this end my case? How much will I keep after medical bills and lawyer costs?” Tell Samantha what medical help you still need. Ask her for a free call with a lawyer about your case.