A car accident can be scary and confusing, even when it is minor. In the moment, it is easy to forget important steps. Knowing what to do after a car accident ahead of time can help you stay safe, protect your rights, and make the insurance claim process smoother.
Save this checklist on your phone or print it for your glove box.
Key takeaways
- Safety comes first. Check for injuries and get out of traffic if you can do so safely.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the scene is dangerous.
- Exchange information, take photos, and avoid admitting fault.
- Report the accident to your insurer promptly, even if it seems minor.
At the scene: your step-by-step checklist
Follow these steps in order, as long as it is safe to do so.
1. Stop and stay at the scene
Never leave the scene of an accident you were involved in, even if it seems minor. Leaving can lead to serious legal penalties in every state.
2. Check for injuries
Check yourself first, then your passengers. If you can do so safely, check on people in the other vehicle. Do not move anyone who is seriously hurt unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire.
3. Call 911 if needed
Call 911 right away if:
- Anyone is injured or complains of pain.
- A vehicle is blocking traffic or is unsafe.
- There is fire, leaking fluid, or a downed power line.
- The other driver seems impaired, aggressive, or leaves the scene.
4. Make the scene safe
If your car can move and no one is hurt, many states expect you to move it out of traffic, such as to the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights. If you have flares or warning triangles, set them out. If the car cannot move, stay buckled in or stand well away from traffic.
5. Contact the police
Even for minor crashes, a police report can be helpful for your insurance claim. Some states require you to report crashes involving injuries or damage above a certain amount. If police do not come to the scene, ask how to file a report later.
6. Exchange information
Get the following from every other driver involved:
- Full name and phone number.
- Insurance company and policy number.
- Driver's license number and state.
- License plate number.
- Vehicle make, model, and color.
- Owner's name and contact information, if different from the driver.
Share your own information in return. Stay calm and polite.
7. Do not admit fault
Stick to the facts. Avoid saying things like "It was my fault" or "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you." You may not know everything that happened. Fault is usually decided later.
8. Take photos and video
Use your phone to document:
- Damage to all vehicles from several angles.
- License plates of every vehicle involved.
- The overall scene, including traffic signs, signals, and road conditions.
- Skid marks, debris, and weather.
- Any visible injuries.
9. Talk to witnesses
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number. Witness statements can help if fault is disputed.
10. Write down what happened
While it is fresh, note the time, location, direction of travel, and what you remember. A quick voice memo works too.
Quick-reference table
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Stay at the scene | Leaving can carry serious legal penalties |
| Check injuries and call 911 | Gets help fast and documents injuries |
| Move to safety | Helps prevent a second crash |
| Get a police report | Creates an official record for your claim |
| Exchange information | Needed to file claims with either insurer |
| Take photos | Supports your account of what happened |
| Avoid admitting fault | Fault is decided later, based on facts |
In the hours and days after the accident
11. Get medical care
Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Many people choose to get checked out even if they feel fine. Keep copies of all medical records and bills.
12. Report the accident to your insurer
Most policies require prompt notice of an accident. Call your insurer, use its app, or file online. Have your policy number, the other driver's information, the police report number, and your photos ready.
13. Understand how your claim may work
Depending on your state and who was at fault, your claim may go through your insurer, the other driver's insurer, or both. In no-fault states, your own personal injury protection usually pays first for injuries. Our guide to no-fault insurance and PIP explains how that works.
If the other driver has no insurance or not enough, your uninsured motorist coverage may help.
14. Keep organized records
Create a folder, paper or digital, with:
- The police report and claim numbers.
- Photos and notes from the scene.
- Medical records and bills.
- Repair estimates and receipts.
- Rental car receipts.
- Every email, letter, and call with insurers, including dates and names.
15. Get repair estimates
Your insurer may send an adjuster or ask you to use a photo-estimate tool. In many states, you have the right to choose your own repair shop. Ask your insurer how the process works before authorizing repairs.
16. Be careful what you sign or share
Read any settlement or release carefully before you sign. If you have serious injuries, a disputed fault situation, or a claim that is not moving forward, you may want to talk with an attorney. Be cautious about posting details of the accident on social media.
Things to keep in your car
A little preparation makes the scene easier to handle:
- Proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
- A pen and paper.
- A phone charger.
- A flashlight.
- Flares or reflective warning triangles.
- A basic first aid kit.
- A printed copy of this checklist.
Will the accident raise your insurance?
It might. Whether your rate goes up depends on who was at fault, the size of the claim, your state, and your insurer's rules. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness for a first incident. Learn more in our guide on how accidents affect car insurance rates.
The bottom line
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you stay safe and protect yourself during a stressful time. Focus on safety first, gather facts and photos, avoid admitting fault, and report the crash to your insurer quickly. Good records make every later step easier.
After the dust settles, it may be a good time to review your coverage. You can get free auto insurance quotes from licensed agencies in our network to see what other options are available.
This article is for general information only and isn't legal or insurance advice. Coverage and rules vary by state and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
As soon as you reasonably can. Most auto policies require prompt notice of an accident, even if you do not plan to file a claim or believe you were not at fault. Waiting too long can complicate the claim. Many insurers let you report a crash by phone, app, or website, often around the clock.
It is generally best not to admit or assign fault at the scene. You may not know all the facts, such as what the other driver was doing. Stick to the facts when talking to the other driver and the police, and be polite. Fault is usually determined later by insurers, police reports, and, in some cases, the courts.
Many people choose to get checked out even if they feel fine, because some injuries do not cause symptoms right away. A medical visit also creates a record that may help if you need to file an injury claim later. If you notice new pain or symptoms in the days after a crash, seek medical care promptly.