10 Things to Do After a Rhode Island Car Accident That Most People Overlook

You were in a car crash and took the usual steps: You exchanged insurance information. You called the police. You even got checked out by a doctor. But if that’s where your checklist ends, you could be missing steps that could protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.

After a car accident, some of the most critical steps come after the dust has settled. These actions aren’t always obvious, but they can play a vital role in protecting your physical recovery, emotional well-being, and legal case. At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our Rhode Island car accident lawyers have seen how small, often-overlooked decisions can make a big difference. Here are 10 things to do after a car crash that most people never think of—until it’s too late.

Your Car’s Data Tells a Story

You took pictures of the damage. You gave your statement. But your vehicle may be holding crucial data that could support your version of events—if you know how to get it.

Modern cars often contain event data recorders (EDRs) that log vital crash information—speed, braking, seatbelt use, and more. This data can help reconstruct what happened and who was at fault. Contact the auto manufacturer or your dealership to request the EDR data from your vehicle. Act quickly, as data can be lost if the car is repaired or resold.

Look Beyond the Vehicles for Hidden Clues

Car damage tells one story. But the road, weather, and surroundings may tell another—one that supports your claim in ways you didn’t realize. Don’t rely only on crash scene photos of the cars. Snapshots of your environment can provide vital context.

• Capture weather conditions. Rain, ice, snow, or fog all create hazardous conditions.  
• Show what the road looked like. Wet pavement, ice patches, potholes, or debris may have contributed to the crash.
• Include surrounding signs. Were speed limits visible? Was a road sign or traffic light blocked or missing? These details matter.

Don’t Let Crucial Video Footage Disappear

Security footage can be the most objective witness—but it doesn’t stick around long. The window to recover it may be only a few days. As soon as you can, try to secure any video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dash cams.

• Look around the area. Gas stations, restaurants, and traffic lights often have cameras that may have recorded your crash. 
• Visit businesses in person. Ask if footage is available and request it before it’s deleted.
• Preserve your own video. If you or a witness had a dashcam, save and back up the footage immediately.

Social Media Could Undermine Your Case

What you post online can easily be used against you in a personal injury claim. Even a photo of you smiling at dinner can become an issue. Insurance companies and defense attorneys know where to look, and they will find it.

To prevent this, lock down or freeze your social media profiles. You don’t need to delete your accounts, but you do need to limit access.

• Set profiles to private. Don’t accept new friend requests unless you know and trust the person.
• Don’t post about the crash. Even casual updates can be twisted to question your injuries or credibility.

Personal Journals are Powerful Evidence 

Medical records tell doctors’ stories. A personal injury journal tells yours—and that can be just as important in your claim. Your pain is real. So is your frustration, fatigue, and fear. Capture it.

• Start a daily journal. List your physical and emotional symptoms each day.
• Be specific and consistent. Write daily or weekly about symptoms, limitations, and how your life has changed.
• Describe your experience. Include emotional effects like anxiety, insomnia, or loss of enjoyment in activities.

Insurance Might Cover a Rental Car

Many drivers don’t realize they have rental reimbursement coverage. If your car is in the shop or totaled, transportation is still essential.

• Call your insurer. Ask directly if you have rental reimbursement and what it includes.
• Understand the limits. Policies often cap the daily rate or rental duration.

Proving Lost Wages Takes More Than a Pay Stub

Car accident injuries can interrupt your work, but without formal documentation, you may struggle to recover what you’re owed. A letter from your employer can confirm what work you missed and how much it cost you. This evidence strengthens your compensation request for lost income.

• Obtain a formal statement. Ask your employer to write a statement documenting time off and lost wages.
• Include key details. The statement should note your position, pay rate, dates missed, and expected return timeline.

Get a Second Opinion on Your Injuries

Some injuries don’t show up right away. Others get misdiagnosed or downplayed. A second opinion can clarify both your treatment and your claim. Especially for head, spine, or soft tissue injuries, another doctor may offer insights your first provider missed.

• Ask for a referral. Choose a specialist with experience in accident-related trauma.
• Get clarity on long-term effects. You need to know what to expect and how your injuries may evolve.

Recalls or Defects Might Shift the Blame

A crash might not be entirely your fault—or the other driver’s. If vehicle defects contributed, the manufacturer could be held accountable. Check for active recalls or safety defects on all vehicles involved in the collision. You can uncover this information with a quick online search.

• Use the NHTSA tool. Enter the Vehicle Identification Number at the NHTSA recalls page to check for issues.
• Save your findings. Recalls may provide grounds for additional claims.

Your Personal Property Deserves Protection Too

Broken glasses. Cracked phones. Damaged work equipment. These items add up—and you can seek compensation for them. Fortunately, you can file a claim for any personal items damaged in the crash.

• Photograph the damage. Include close-up shots and model numbers when possible.
• Gather proof of value. Receipts, appraisals, or online listings help establish replacement costs.

Talk to a Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer Before It’s Too Late

Every accident is different, but one thing is always true: small details matter. At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our Rhode Island car accident lawyers help clients uncover overlooked details that can strengthen claims and protect compensation. Whether it’s black box data, medical proof, or lost wage documentation, we know how to turn overlooked facts into powerful legal arguments.

If you’ve been injured in a Rhode Island car accident, don’t stop at the basics. Let us guide you through the steps and help you protect what truly matters.