If you’re able, your actions right away can determine what evidence is still available.
- Call 911 and report accurately. Don’t “guess” details you don’t remember—describe what you truly observed.
- Get medical care even if symptoms seem minor. Some injuries (including soft-tissue, concussion-type symptoms, and internal issues) show up later.
- Write down what you remember before you talk to anyone else. Start with: location, time, direction of travel, vehicle description (make/model/color), and anything distinctive (lights, damage pattern, plate partials).
- Check for nearby recording sources. In Oskaloosa, crashes often involve areas with storefronts, parking lots, or public-facing businesses where camera footage may be overwritten quickly.
If you’re wondering whether you should speak to insurance right away, the safest approach is to pause and get legal guidance first—especially before giving a recorded statement.


