How to Find Out if Someone Was in a Car Accident

Michelle Wilson - January 13, 2023

Unfortunately, car accidents are one of the most common ways individuals are injured in the United States. Statistics reveal that over 4.8 million Americans became injured in a car accident in 2020. Accidents occur without warning, often leaving friends and family members wondering what went wrong or where their loved ones are. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to confirm whether someone you know was involved in a car accident.

Difficulty Finding Out Information About a Car Accident

Stress and anxiety can take over when trying to find out whether someone you know was hurt. It’s an unnerving process, especially when you don’t know where to start. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of an information database. That means there is no central phone line to contact regarding a loved one to get accurate details. People will have to contact multiple locations to receive correct information, including law enforcement and medical facilities. Reaching out requires considerable time and effort for those committed to getting an accurate answer.

There are three main methods of uncovering whether someone was involved in a wreck. These three methods include the following:

Contacting Friends and Family Members

Most often, the most reliable way to find someone you believe was involved in a car accident is to reach out to people closest to them. Friends and family members can disclose and reveal details that law enforcement cannot, making them a reliable resource. Often, a victim or law enforcement will reach out to close friends or family for help in an emergency. By calling around, people can ask for a well-being check or to see if they’ve heard of the potential victim.

Check with Local Law Enforcement About Car Accidents

Although local and state law enforcement can’t give specific details about an automobile accident, they can provide basic and generic information. If you’re trying to find a friend or family member, try calling nearby precincts for updated details. Should you contact a local police department, they can tell you if the officer filed an official report with the individual’s name as having been involved in an accident.

There is a considerable delay between the time of the accident and having the information updated in the system, meaning you’ll need to wait for the report to process before getting an answer. For instance, an accident that occurred within an hour won’t have details on who was involved in the accident when you call.

Reach Out to Local Hospitals and Medical Facilities

When you’re concerned about the safety and well-being of a loved one, contacting hospitals and care providers is the best place to start your search. Anyone can contact a hospital or urgent care facility to ask about the potential victim. Ensure you reach the closest medical facility or hospital where you believe the friend was traveling, as that’s where they’d likely be.

Unfortunately, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prohibits how much information is readily shared about another individual. Typically, a medical provider can advise whether someone is currently a patient in their facility. If the hospital doesn’t have a record of the person being a patient within their care, there’s a chance your loved one wasn’t involved in a severe collision. A medical facility that confirms someone is currently a patient or receiving treatment should be considered a valuable lead. You can take further steps to contact them directly at the facility (assuming they’re in a position to communicate).

Who is Notified of a Car Accident?

Assuming there is a serious collision or accident, law enforcement will try reaching out to immediate family members. This process isn’t always straightforward without clearly indicated contacts on mobile phones. In some situations, police may have difficulty accessing emergency contact information.

What to do if Your Loved One was Injured in a Car Accident

Although no one wants to consider their loved ones becoming injured, there are a few steps you can take to protect the victim’s safety, well-being, health, and legal rights. While emotional and physical support is crucial to recovery, you must consider the following options:

Make sure they’re taken care of medically

Many victims of car accidents believe they can handle the occasional bump or bruise, only to discover something far more sinister occurred. Encourage your loved one to receive the medical attention they need.

Write down as much as possible

Help your loved one organize the sequence of events. Record all details, including information leading up to the crash. Details are imperative for fault-based accidents.

Let others know

Contacting people after an accident takes a lot of emotional and mental energy your friend may not have at that time. As such, it may be easier to contact their closest friends and family members for them (but only with permission).

Proactive Steps to Facilitate Information Sharing in an Emergency

How to Connect with Emergency Contacts During an Accident

The moment after an accident is chaotic and stressful. This environment extends beyond the scene of an accident, with problems happening at the police station and hospital. At times, information sharing is nearly impossible, with family members, friends, and next of kin struggling to receive pertinent details about their loved ones. There are a few steps you can take to ensure the right individuals receive information after a serious accident.

Here are two methods to improve information sharing in the event of an accident or serious accident:

Traditional Methods

One of the older methods of preparing information for an emergency starts with the basics. Always keep a list of emergency contacts while you’re in the car. Ensure the emergency list is always up to date, with a list of who to contact and how. Generally, people should keep a list of emergency contacts in the same location as their driver’s license. The place may be a wallet or a purse. Alternatively, you can keep the emergency list in your pocket. After a serious accident or emergency, first responders will look for an individual’s driver’s license to determine their identity.

Incorporating Technology

With recent technological developments, virtually everyone has a cell phone or application for emergency use. Many smartphone applications are available to help in an emergency, including after an accident. Several of these applications are available to ensure first responders and police hold access to your emergency contact information in the event of a car accident. A few popular examples include the iWrecked and SOSmart apps (available for iPhone and Android users). These applications can typically determine when an accident occurred and will send a message to the authorities and emergency contacts listed.

Conclusion

If you believe your friend or family member was involved in a car accident, trying to find them isn’t always straightforward. Try reaching out to their social network to see if anyone has heard from them, branching out to medical facilities and law enforcement. Although law enforcement and hospitals are limited in the information they can offer, they can at least confirm your suspicions.