What You Should Do Before and After a Car Crash Happens: A Guide for New Mexico Drivers

If there’s one thing I’ve learned helping people recover after car crashes, it’s this: even in mild crashes, people are rattled and aren’t thinking clearly.

That’s why being prepared before anything ever happens can make a stressful situation a little easier to navigate.

This is the first post in my series on navigating car crashes. First, I’m covering what to keep in your car before an accident and what information can be helpful to gather if one happens.

Be Prepared: What to Keep in Your Car

Here’s a simple checklist focused on handling the aftermath of a crash—these are the basics, what you should have at the minimum:

✅ Proof of auto insurance and registration

✅ Contact card with your emergency contact names and numbers—just in case you’re unable to speak for yourself

✅ Phone charger or battery pack-it is surprising how long it can take for police or a tow truck to arrive

✅ Pen and small notepad (yes, even in the smartphone age)

✅ A reminder card listing what information to gather after a crash

Information to Gather at the Scene

Even if a crash feels minor, slow down, take a breath, and make sure you collect:

• The other driver’s information - name, phone number, and insurance information, including policy number, if available.

• Vehicle information -license plate number, make, model and year of their vehicle.

• Photos and video — photograph both vehicles, any visible damage, the crash scene, and the surrounding area. Video can also be helpful because you may capture details you didn't notice at the time.

• Witness information - names and contact info for anyone who saw what happened.

• Your own notes - write down what happened, what lane you were in, the direction you were traveling, and anything else you remember. Do this as soon as you reasonably can because details can become harder to remember as time passes.

  
  

And—this one’s important—I always recommend contacting law enforcement after every crash, even when it seems minor. If there is an obvious injury, someone loses consciousness, the vehicles are creating a hazard, or there is another emergency, call 911. For a crash that appears minor and does not require an emergency response, call the local non-emergency police number. In Albuquerque, that's 505-242-COPS (2677).

One reason I recommend making that call is that you may not immediately know whether you're injured. The moments after a crash can be stressful and confusing, and some symptoms may not be obvious right away. Having the crash documented can also be important if there are questions later about what happened.

Who to Contact After a Crash

Here’s the list I give my patients:

• Law enforcement  - if you haven't already reported the crash. In Albuquerque, call 505-242-COPS (2677) for a non-emergency or 911 for an emergency. APD specifically directs motor-vehicle accident reports to 242-COPS.

• Family or emergency contact

• Your insurance company - many insurance companies allow you to start a claim through their app or website.

• A healthcare provider experienced in car crash injuries (Chiropractors like myself often fit that role)

• A personal injury attorney—but here’s my professional advice: get a recommendation from your healthcare provider. I’ve had enough bad experiences with attorneys to make a standing rule in my practice, that I will not work with attorneys I do not know.

  
  

If you've recently been in a crash and aren't sure where to start, I'm here to help. I have extensive experience working with people after motor vehicle collisions and understand that navigating your care after a crash can feel overwhelming.

If you're in the Albuquerque area and have questions about your injuries or what your next steps might be, reach out. I can help you determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you and, when needed, help connect you with other healthcare providers or a personal injury attorney.