What to Do After an Accident on I-95

Interstate 95 (I-95) is one of the busiest and most important highways on the East Coast, stretching from Florida to Maine and carrying millions of drivers each year. With its heavy traffic, frequent congestion, and mix of local and long-distance travel, collisions are unfortunately common.

Knowing what to do after an I-95 crash can help protect your safety, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation. This step-by-step guide walks drivers through essential post-accident steps on I-95, offering practical guidance for the moments, days, and weeks following a crash.

Stay Safe and Secure the Scene

When an accident happens on I-95, your first priority is safety. Traffic moves quickly on this major interstate, so remaining aware of your surroundings is critical. If your vehicle is drivable, pull off onto the shoulder or into the nearest safe area.

Turn on your hazard lights, set out cones or flares if you have them, and remain a safe distance from moving traffic. If your vehicle cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

Call 911 immediately. Police will control traffic, arrange medical response, and create an official accident report.

High-speed roadway crashes often result in shock or confusion, so take a moment to assess yourself and others for injuries. Do not attempt to exit your vehicle if it puts you at risk. Wait for responders unless your car is on fire or in another unsafe position.

Exchange Information and Document the Crash

After emergency responders arrive and it’s safe to move around, exchange basic information with other drivers involved. Avoid discussing fault or making assumptions about what happened.

Documenting the scene is one of the most important post-accident steps on I-95. Use your phone to take photos of everything you can.

If witnesses stop, politely ask for their contact information. Their statements may help clarify fault later, especially in crashes involving multiple vehicles or commercial trucks.

As part of the broader safety context, note that in 2023, 40,901 people were killed in motor-vehicle crashes nationwide, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This shows how important thorough documentation is after an interstate collision.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Follow After an I-95 Crash

Interstate collisions can be overwhelming, but breaking the process into clear steps makes it easier to manage. Below is the only enumeration for this article, outlining the essential actions drivers should take:

1. Ensure safety and call 911. Protect yourself and others while alerting emergency services.
2. Exchange information. Gather driver and insurance details without discussing fault.
3. Document evidence. Photograph the scene and collect witness information.
4. Seek medical attention. Even minor aches can develop into serious injuries.
5. Notify your insurer. Report the crash promptly and accurately.
6. Preserve paperwork. Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence.
7. Consider legal guidance. If injuries or major damages occurred, an attorney can help protect your rights.

Each of these steps supports your health, safety, and potential claims. Missing one can weaken your ability to recover compensation later.

Understanding Medical Needs and Hidden Injuries

Many I-95 accident victims decline medical treatment at the scene, only to develop symptoms later. High-speed collisions often cause injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, such as concussions, soft-tissue injuries, or internal trauma.

If you weren’t transported by ambulance, schedule a medical exam within 24–48 hours. This protects both your health and your legal rights by creating a clear record linking your injuries to the crash.

Follow all medical recommendations and keep copies of diagnostic records, physician notes, and receipts for any treatments or medications you receive.

Handling Insurance Communications After an I-95 Collision

After leaving the scene and receiving medical care, your next step is notifying your insurance company. Provide basic facts, but avoid giving recorded statements until you understand your rights. Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay injuries or shift blame.

Be careful when discussing the extent of your injuries, pre-existing conditions, and who may have caused the crash

Insurance companies often move quickly after interstate collisions because damages are typically high. Staying organized can help you respond confidently. Keep all crash-related documents in a special folder so nothing gets lost.

Repair Estimates, Lost Income, and Other Practical Considerations

Damage to vehicles on I-95 often ranges from moderate to severe due to the speed and density of traffic. Get multiple repair estimates if possible and ask whether your car is safe to drive before taking it home. If it’s not drivable, arrange a tow to a reputable shop.

If you miss work due to injuries or medical appointments, keep a record of lost wages. Documenting financial losses early makes it much easier later to recover compensation. Save receipts for rental cars, towing bills, and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Many drivers also underestimate the emotional impact of a highway crash. Anxiety, sleep problems, and difficulty returning to driving are common. Seeking counseling or support is normal and can be an important part of recovery.

When to Consider Legal Help After an I-95 Accident

If your accident involved significant injuries, a commercial vehicle, unclear fault, or uncooperative insurance companies, speaking with an attorney can be greatly beneficial. Crashes on I-95 often involve multiple drivers, aggressive lane-changes, or sudden congestion—factors that complicate fault determinations.

Legal guidance can help with:

• Investigating the crash
• Preserving evidence
• Managing insurance negotiations
• Seeking compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain
• Understanding your rights under state-specific traffic laws

Every state along I-95 has different deadlines for filing claims. Consulting someone early ensures you don’t lose your opportunity simply by waiting too long.

Get Legal Support After your I-95 Crash

Knowing what to do after an I-95 crash empowers you to stay safe, protect your rights, and avoid costly mistakes. Keeping calm, gathering information, securing medical care, and staying organized can make a major difference in how smoothly the aftermath unfolds. While no one expects to be involved in a highway collision, having a plan helps you act decisively when it matters most.

If you need help understanding your next steps or want to discuss your options, we can connect you with an I-95 car accident lawyer who can walk you through the process, answer questions, and help you move forward with confidence.