What to Do After a Car Accident in Jackson Hole

The first moments after a collision are critical for your safety and for protecting your legal and insurance interests. Stay calm and follow these steps in order:

Check for Injuries

Your first priority is always personal safety. Check yourself and all passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, be aware that adrenaline can mask pain from injuries like whiplash, concussion, or soft tissue damage. If anyone is hurt — or if you are unsure — call 911 immediately. Jackson Hole has excellent emergency medical services, including St. John's Health hospital and Jackson Hole Fire/EMS.

Move to Safety

If the vehicles are in a dangerous location (in the middle of a highway, on a curve, or blocking traffic), move them to the shoulder or a safe pulloff if they are drivable. Turn on hazard lights. If the vehicles cannot be moved, get yourself and passengers out of the vehicles and to a safe location away from traffic. Wyoming winters make this especially dangerous — icy roads and limited visibility mean other drivers may not see a stopped vehicle in time.

Call Law Enforcement

Contact the Teton County Sheriff at (307) 733-4052 or call 911. A police report is important documentation for your insurance claim. The responding officer will document the scene, take statements from both drivers, and file an official report. In Grand Teton National Park, contact the National Park Service at (307) 739-3300.

Thorough documentation at the accident scene is invaluable for your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings. Use your phone to capture the following:

• Vehicle damage — Photograph all damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle from multiple angles. Get close-up shots and wide shots that show the overall scene.
• Scene context — Photograph the road layout, intersection, traffic signs, road conditions (ice, snow, wet), and any skid marks or debris.
• License plates — Photograph both vehicles' license plates for your records.
• Weather and lighting — Note and photograph visibility conditions. In Jackson Hole, fog, blowing snow, and sun glare on ice are common factors.
• Witness information — If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witnesses can be crucial in disputed fault determinations.

Exchange Information

Exchange the following information with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver's license number
• Vehicle make, model, year, and color
• License plate number

Be polite and factual. Do not admit fault or apologize — statements at the scene can be used against you in fault determination. Stick to the facts of what happened.

Even if you feel fine after the accident, consider getting a medical evaluation. Many common accident injuries do not produce symptoms immediately:

• Whiplash — Neck pain and stiffness may not appear for 24-72 hours after a rear-end collision.
• Concussion — Headaches, dizziness, and cognitive symptoms can develop hours or days after the impact.
• Soft tissue injuries — Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage may present as soreness that gradually worsens over days.
• Internal injuries — In rare cases, internal bleeding or organ damage may not be immediately apparent.

Visit St. John's Health in Jackson or an urgent care facility. Medical documentation also serves as evidence for any personal injury claim. Tell the medical provider that you were in a vehicle accident — this is important for both treatment and insurance records.

If you experience any symptoms in the days following the accident — headaches, neck pain, back pain, dizziness, numbness, or tingling — seek medical attention promptly and inform them of the accident.

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Most policies require prompt reporting, and delays can complicate your claim. When you call, have the following ready:

In the stress of an accident, it is easy to make mistakes that can hurt your claim or cost you money. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Admitting fault at the scene — Even saying "I'm sorry" can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Be factual and let the insurance companies determine fault.
• Not calling the police — Even for minor accidents, a police report provides official documentation that strengthens your insurance claim.
• Waiting too long to file a claim — Most policies require prompt reporting. Waiting days or weeks can raise questions and complicate your claim.
• Not documenting injuries — If you experience any pain or symptoms after the accident, see a doctor and document it. Waiting weakens potential injury claims.
• Accepting a quick settlement — Insurance companies may offer a fast settlement before you know the full extent of damage or injuries. Get a professional repair estimate and medical evaluation first.
• Not getting multiple opinions — If you are unsure about a repair estimate or an insurer's settlement offer, get a second opinion. We provide free estimates at Mike's Body Shop.
• Using an insurer-recommended shop without research — Your insurer's preferred shop may be fine, but do your own research. The shop that is best for the insurer's bottom line may not deliver the best repair quality for you.