Enjuris Blog | Find Answers and Share Your Accident's Story

Finding answers after your accident

24/7 Free Consult   (800) 734-4134    Log in
  • Find a Lawyer
  • Accident Resources
    • Personal Injury Law
      • You’ve been hurt. Now what?
      • Do I have a claim?
      • Finding the best attorney to represent you
      • Dealing with Insurance
      • Laws by State
      • View all
    • Accident Types
      • Car accident
      • Truck Accident
      • Workplace injury
      • Wrongful death
      • View all
    • Workers’ Comp
      • Common work injuries
      • Finding the best workers’ comp lawyers
      • How workers’ comp benefits work
      • Personal injury vs. workers’ compensation
      • View all
    • Injury Guides
      • Spinal Cord/Column
      • Brain Injury
      • Occupational injuries
      • Whiplash
      • View all
    • More
      • Blog
      • Tell Your Story
      • Forms and Worksheets
      • Videos
      • For Students
      • About Us
  • Attorney Marketing
    • Become a partner
    • Contribute to our blog
    • Join lawyer directory
    • Enjuris Excellence badge
Home > Blog > My Accident Story > Advice from others who’ve been in a car accident

Advice from others who’ve been in a car accident

Contributor: Enjuris Editor How can I contribute?

What people who’ve actually been in a car crash want you to know

Car about to crash; Advice from others who’ve been in a car accident

What do other real people who’ve been there say, when looking back after their car accident is all over and done? What advice do survivors have for others who may be facing the aftermath of a car crash?

Car accident advice from personal injury attorneys is found all over the Internet. You can even see our Enjuris recommendations for when you’re in a car crash.

Useful stuff (we hope). But a recent post on Quora caught my attention, where several people (46 at last count) had written their personal accounts of a car crash in which they or their passengers had been injured.

They tell what the experience of the crash was like, as well as how it is still affecting them years later.

Within that post were several snippets of advice that I wanted to pass along to you. Consider them lessons learned from those who have been there.

By the way, if you don’t know about Quora yet, their tagline sums it up: “The best answer to any question”.  It’s a platform for real people to answer real questions. So when I saw the question posed about what it’s like to be in a car crash, I knew I had to read it. (I have a fear of being in a car accident.)

At the time I didn’t even realize it would spark this post, but the idea formed as I saw people mentioning how a car accident attorney helped them and advice for others, and realized I wanted as many people as possible to learn from those experiences documented.

The Quora post is mega long, and I’d encourage you to read the details of each car crash if you want to experience the human side of what happens during those unthinkable moments. But for now I’m going to pull out a few gems of advice for you about car accidents here.

Go to the hospital and get checked out – even if you don’t want to. Just do it.

Don’t try to play tough, even if you think you’re not hurt. So many people recounted feeling they were fine only to discover later they actually had been injured in the crash. They just didn’t notice because of shock, or the natural inclination to resist medical attention.

From a legal standpoint, this can be more important than you might think.

Kelly says: “My advice: if you’re ever in an accident and they ask if you want to go to the hospital – Do it. Even if you think you aren’t hurt, go and get checked. The insurance company fought so hard not to pay, because they insisted if I’d been injured, I would have gone to the hospital at that moment.

In the end, I got a payment from the other driver’s insurance company – the max they were liable for. I’m going to tell you – for the pain I’ve been in since that day, it wasn’t near enough.”

Logan chimes in with his experience and advice from his car crash:

“I refused treatment and refused the ambulance (honestly, at the time it just seemed like I whacked my head a bit and I felt like wanted to go home and sleep). So, eventually we all went back to my ex girlfriends parents place, and we were just chilling and decompressing when her stepdad goes ‘hey, you have some blood coming out of your ear and nose. You should probably go to the ER.” And then when I touched the back of my head, I could kind of push my finger in my head like there was a soft spot (it wasn’t like that initially because of the swelling).

But yeah – never refuse treatment!! And if your friend is driving stupid, make him or her stop or get out of the car. If your gut feels nervous and the driving makes you feel like you’re scared and something could happen, it’s probably right.”

Enjuris Tip: See our ideas for proving negligence in a car accident

Safety advice

Wear your seat belt! Thanks to Douglas for driving home what happens when you’re in a car crash and you aren’t wearing your seat belt, from his first-hand observation:

“My friend did not have her seatbelt on, and ironically I had just chided her about it 10 minutes before. (after this day she always wore one). So the impact sent her into the windshield…”

We can thank another anonymous poster for some advice on avoiding distractions – specifically when you’ve asked someone to help you navigate: Just do what you’re told…

“And now if a passenger is navigating, I don’t help with navigation. I just drive, and I make turns when they ask me to, provided of course that they give me ample warning. My job is to obey the rules. My passenger’s job is to find the route.”

Drive slower if the road conditions call for it. You don’t always need to match the speed limit!

Since his accident, Chris says, “Now I have a rule for myself – if my windshield wipers are on, I slow down.”

If you’re expecting help from insurance…

Anonymous, who says he (or possibly she) rallied and raced cars, notes, “Your insurance doesn’t cover high-speed accidents, whether on public roads or on track (trust me here, if you’re going more than 90 mph you’re on your own).”

Enjuris tip: 5 Steps to Properly Filing an Insurance Claim Following a Car Accident

We can have an enormous impact on each other as we go about our day

Another anonymous contributor sums it up: “The over-riding feeling I have is that we can so easily affect other people’s lives – this lady it turns out was rushing to her daughter’s birthday party, and I am left not being able to walk for 2 months because of someone else’s actions.”

Have you been in a car crash? What’s your advice to others?

Comments

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Required fields are marked *. While our editors carefully moderate all comments, Enjuris cannot guarantee the authenticity or accuracy of the information contained in the post. Such information should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a professional. We always recommend consulting with an attorney or other legal professional if you require legal advice. Also, know that any information you provide in your comment may be published on our website, so please avoid sharing any confidential, private or personal information that you don’t want to be made public. Lastly, we will not publish any comments that we determine are promotional, hateful or inappropriate.

  1. Sridevi Alla says

    December 6, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    I am taking right waited to make sure it was clear for me to take the right turn and proceeded to take a right turn when other car came speeding. I stepped on my brake and stopped my car immediately as I was going very slow, about 10-15 miles an hour, it stopped immediately. other car that was coming straight in high speed swerved to the left and went on divider line, to avoid hitting me. Both stopped and checked no seen injuries. But they claim now for under car damage because of going on divider. How to handle this? Thanks

    Reply
    • Lance Buchanan says

      December 12, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Thanks for sharing your story, Sridevi. Was a police report filed? If so, that may indicate who was “at fault” for the incident. If not, you’ll want to consult a personal injury attorney to discuss your liability. It can vary depending on which state you live and other specifics about the case. Feel free to use our free online directory to find an attorney near you: https://www.enjuris.com/directory/. Good luck!

      Reply
  2. Karl says

    January 10, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    Going down a main road entered an intersection with a green light, a car on the cross street turns right on the red light. I smash my breaks couldnt change lanes because traffic in left lane i smash his car from gas cap to left rear bumper. Witness stops gives me her number and says i saw him pull out in front of you. Cop agrees with my story and it reflects it in the police report. Accident happened on the 13th of December thier insurance waits and beats around the bush until today the 10th of january to admit liability. Since i live somewhere where they dont have adjusters they have me utilize and app to take pictures for the adjustment. Now i wait for contact. But my question is, ive been wothout my car for 28 days having to find rides to work and elsewhere, they told me to pick a place to have it fixed im assuming ill now get a rental car and my cars value is diminshed if i go to sell it again. What are my options to recover funds that i had to pay while not having my car for 28 days or am i s.o.l . Also how do i recover lost value of my vehicle. I havnt been in a car accident in over 13 years and this process is agrivating the adjuster acts like its no big deal

    Reply
    • Ian Pisarcik says

      March 4, 2019 at 8:32 pm

      Karl,

      I’m sorry this happened to you. The insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for reimbursing you for the cost of your rental car. Unfortunately, this process doesn’t always go as smoothly as it should. If you feel like you are being dragged along, I would recommend reaching out to a personal injury attorney in your area.

      Reply
  3. Lee Paladin says

    May 22, 2019 at 2:16 am

    You have shared Absolutely the Best Advice: Go to the hospital, no matter how you feel. Too often this can make the difference between getting the best care or No care!

    Reply
  4. Martin Rogalski says

    June 27, 2019 at 1:44 am

    Well explained. Thanks for sharing your story. This is a helpful blog.

    Reply
  5. Levi Armstrong says

    May 11, 2020 at 10:41 pm

    I really like your tip about never refusing medical treatment when you experience a car crash. A friend of mine got into a crash recently and he didn’t go to the hospital immediately. The next day, he experienced severe headaches and collapsed on his front yard. It turns out he was suffering from brain hemorrhage and his insurance won’t pay. Now, his wife is now looking for a car accident lawyer to help him with his case. This would’ve been avoided if he just went to the hospital after the crash.

    Reply
    • Melissa Gold says

      May 14, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      I’m so sorry this happened to your friend. Yes, sometimes symptoms of serious injury don’t appear right away. When symptoms show up days (or even weeks) later, it’s harder to prove that the injury was caused by the accident. If your friends need a lawyer, please feel free to offer them the Enjuris law firm directory to find someone nearby who can help. Best wishes.

      Reply
  6. M. Currie says

    July 16, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    I was at a T junction and I moved off turning right without seeing another car coming I struck this cars back passenger door on the drivers side. I was travelling 10/15 mph the other cat approx 30mph. After collision my vehicle pushed 180 degrees around close to spot of impact. The driver of the other car a lady in her 50/60s driving an automatic Mercedes pressed the accelerator instead of the brake crossed lanes mounted the kerb crossed the pavement mounted another kerb crossed 15ft of grass and another pavement before hitting a lamppost and entering a garden leaving the vehicle to be written off. The lady was shaken and uninjured thankfully. I accepted that I caused the accident and received 3 points £100 fine the police officer who issued this said they had to do this to justify the condition of the other vehicle, I paid £450 privately to repair my vehicle. 5 months later when renewing my insurance the company are refusing to insure me due to the Mercedes being written off at a cost of £16000 to my insurer. I feel the majority of the damage was caused by the other drivers reaction after the collision. I am unsure who to contact for advice about this or is there nothing I can do about it. I have been driving for twelve years this is my first accident whee I have been at fault, I need my vehicle for work as a care worker and feel I am being treated unfairly in this matter. Can anyone offer advice on who to possibly contact regarding this matter. Sincerely M Currie.

    Reply
  7. kelly brooke says

    August 12, 2020 at 12:23 am

    I was entertained by this. Thanks for sharing though.

    Reply
    • Ian Pisarcik says

      August 12, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      Thank you for the comment, Kelly!

      Reply
  8. Legal Helper says

    August 31, 2020 at 7:36 am

    From Ohio
    Also, somewhere I read that you should never say sorry if you think you are going to file a case against them opposite person, because it means that you are fault and can be used against you.

    Reply
    • Ian Pisarcik says

      August 31, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      After an accident, it’s a good idea to avoid using any language that could be construed as admitting fault. It’s perfectly acceptable (and a good idea) to ask if the other person involved is okay. But I would avoid saying “sorry” or otherwise discussing the accident.

      Reply
  9. Cornerstone Chiropractic Clinic says

    March 16, 2021 at 7:42 pm

    From New
    Thanks for sharing this content. very nice!

    Reply
    • Ian Pisarcik says

      March 17, 2021 at 10:59 am

      Thanks for the comment!

      Reply
  10. Karen Myers says

    October 17, 2021 at 9:51 pm

    From Oregon
    I purchased a car from a dealership. Immedialtely the car went into the shop which actually is unimportant. My friend (at the time) was with me. The dealership offered a loaner car till mine got out of the shop, I do not have a valid license, mine is suspended, however, my friend offered to put the loaner car in his name using his liability insurance and said that i could use the rental car while my car was being repaired. he did the inspection with the salesperson and everything was grand. He signed the borrowed vehicle agreement and initialed all areas. Then i was in an accident 2 days later with car in a drive thru restaraunt. i needed to tow the loaner car. nobody was injured. the only damage was to the loaner car. I notified him immediatly after the accident and he kept stalling on helping me. told my not to report it and not to call the insurance company nor the dealership. now he is ignoring my calls and messages. i have reported it to the dealership and had the vehicle towed there. what do i do now

    Reply
    • Melissa Gold says

      October 20, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      Hi, Karen. There seem to be several issues here. First, it’s never acceptable (or legal) to drive without a license. If you had the loaner car towed back to the dealership, they will likely deal with your friend and the insurance company if your friend signed for the vehicle. Ultimately, he will likely be held liable for the financial costs of the damages because he is the person who borrowed the car, depending on the terms of the loan agreement. The loan agreement would not allow for him to permit an unlicensed driver to operate the rented car. If you were driving it, unlicensed, with his permission, the rental company will likely hold him responsible. However, you could be charged with driving without a license, and that would be a separate issue.

      You don’t necessarily need for your friend to call you back. If you let him know the car was returned to the dealership, I am sure he will be hearing from them directly.

      That said, please make sure that before you take possession of the car you just purchased, you get your license up to date!

      Reply
  11. Greg Prosmushkin says

    March 31, 2022 at 7:02 am

    From Pennsylvania
    This blog is so enlightening! Car accidents are so common and this article is so helpful. It gives out tips and tricks about how to avoid getting into a car crash. I also like how it shares experiences from different people so that others can learn from them.

    Reply
Legal Rights Defenders - FREE CONSULTATION 24/7

Categories

  • News Stories
  • My Accident Story
  • Resources You'll Love
  • Questions & Answers

In Your State

AZ CA CO FL GA IN MT NC SC TN TX

Attorney Authors
Enjuris Partners

Denver accident lawyer Mack Babcock

Mack Babcock
The Babcock Law Firm, CO

Texas personal injury and wrongful death lawyer Laura Brown

Laura Brown
Brown Trial Firm, TX

Attorney Mark Chappell

Mark Chappell
Chappell, Smith & Arden, SC

Neal Davis

Neal Davis
Neal Davis Law Firm, TX

Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney

Natalie Elkins
Gerber & Holder Law, GA

Roger Finderson

Roger Finderson
Finderson Law, IN

Jack Fine, personal injury attorney

Jack Fine
Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, FL

Ben Gerber

Ben Gerber
Gerber & Holder Law, GA

Chris Gilreath

Chris Gilreath
Gilreath & Associates, TN

Award-winning Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney

Thomas Holder
Gerber & Holder Law, GA

George Lorenzo

George Lorenzo
Lorenzo & Lorenzo, FL

Matt Murphy

Matt Murphy
Murphy Law Firm, MT

Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy
Murphy Law Firm, MT

Bernard Nomberg

Bernard Nomberg
Nomberg Law Firm, AL

Brett Sachs, California accident attorney

Brett Sachs
Sachs Law

Chelsee Sachs, California accident attorney

Chelsee Sachs
Sachs Law

Stephanie Tucker, Denver, CO workers' compensation attorney

Stephanie Tucker
The Babcock Law Firm

Attorney Beau Wilder

Beau Wilder
Wilder Pantazis Law Group, NC

Wilder Pantazis Law Group

Rob Wilder
Wilder Pantazis Law Group, NC

Robert E. Wisniewski

Robert E. Wisniewski
Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski, AZ

Contributors

  • Terry Bryant
  • Jason Chalik
  • Daniel Clancy
  • Jacob Emrani
  • John Foy
  • Edward Friedman
  • Bert Louthian
  • Joseph Markey
  • Jim Parrish
  • Isaias Valencia
  • Steven G Wigrizer
  • Doug Zanes

Free E-Books

car accident e-book

I've been in a car accident I've been in a truck accident

truck accident e-book

What happens now?

What is Enjuris®?

A collection of resources to help people at a tough time in their lives. A place to share your story. A national directory of injury lawyers. Supporter of students, families, caregivers and our communities. How can I contribute?


Hire the right lawyer (800) 734-4134

Lawyer Directory
Car accident attorneys
Defective product attorneys
Personal injury attorneys
Medical malpractice attorneys
Wrongful death attorneys
Workers' compensation attorneys

Enjuris Partner Accident & Injury Lawyers

Gainesville, FL Personal Injury Attorneys
Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys
Lorenzo & Lorenzo (Tampa, Florida)
Finderson Law (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Wilder Pantazis Law Group (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Brown Trial Firm (Waco, Texas)
The Babcock Law Firm (Denver, Colorado)
Gerber & Holder Law (Atlanta, Georgia)
Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski (Phoenix, Arizona)
Murphy Law Firm (Great Falls, Montana)


Law students

Enjuris' Student Center is a resource for all pre-law college students and current law students. Learn how to get ahead in your studies and the career field, as well be a guest contributor to our blog and apply for one of our scholarships.


Partner with us

If your goal is to help people after an accident or injury – or to prevent them in the first place – we'd love to hear from you! We look to work with educators, healthcare and recovery organizations, insurance providers, law firms and other organizations. Get in touch to see how we can work together. Learn more...


Are you a personal injury lawyer?

Login Add your Firm Lawyer online marketing Free resources for attorneys Attorney / SEOs newsletter signup

Contact us today to get involved.
Services for attorneys
Personal Injury Law Firms Directory
Directory guidelines
Law firm SEO quote
Terms of Use


Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Blog Blog feed

SEO Advantage®, Inc.    SEOLegal Division, Lawyer Marketing    3690 West Gandy Blvd., Suite 444    Tampa, FL 33611    Contact us today

Enjuris is a platform dedicated to helping people who are dealing with life-altering accidents and injuries. We support students, families, caregivers and communities with resources, personal stories and a national directory of injury lawyers. Read more about Enjuris.


Copyright © 2022 Enjuris.com. All rights reserved. Terms and conditions The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. Our site and services are not substitutes for the advices or services of an attorney. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice. Privacy policy.

SEOLegal.com

Attention attorneys
and SEO firms
  • Make Enjuris work for your law firm
  • Exclusive offers & discounts
  • Content contribution opportunities