At the scene: safety comes first
Nothing else on this list matters as much as getting everyone to safety. If you are able to, check on the people in your vehicle and in the other vehicles.
- Call emergency services if anyone appears hurt, if there is a fire or fluid leak, or if the vehicles are blocking traffic. You can also call when you are unsure.
- Move out of traffic if the vehicles can be driven and it is safe. If not, leave them where they are, turn on the hazard lights, and stay away from active lanes.
- Stay calm and keep conversations factual. It is natural to be shaken. Describe what happened if asked, but there is no need to speculate about fault or the cause.
Get appropriate medical attention
Adrenaline can hide pain, and some symptoms, such as stiffness, headaches, or soreness, may take hours or days to appear. Many people choose to be checked by a medical professional even when they feel fine.
A medical professional is the right person to evaluate whether you are hurt. If you receive care, follow the instructions you are given, attend follow-up appointments, and keep the paperwork. Those records also create a clear timeline of what happened and when.
Exchange information with the other drivers
Whether or not police come to the scene, gather the basics from each driver involved:
- Full name, phone number, and address
- Insurance company, policy number, and phone number
- Driver's license number and license plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
If there were witnesses who are willing to share their names and numbers, write those down too. Their accounts can be valuable if memories differ later.
Document what you can, when it is safe
If it is safe to do so, use your phone to record the scene before vehicles are moved or conditions change.
- Photographs of all vehicles from several angles, including close-ups of damage
- The positions of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, and nearby traffic signs or signals
- Road and weather conditions, and lighting if it was dark
- Any visible injuries, taken as soon as practical
As soon as you can, write a short note about the time, location, direction you were traveling, and what you remember. Details fade quickly, and a note written the same day is more reliable than a recollection months later.
Ask about a police report
When officers respond, ask how and when you can get a copy of the report and for the report or incident number. Even when police do not come, some places allow or require you to file a report yourself. Local requirements differ, so check with your local police department or motor vehicle agency.
In the following days
Notify your insurer
Most policies expect prompt notice of an accident. Review your policy or call your insurer to learn how to open a claim. When you speak with any insurance representative, stick to facts you know, and keep a log of the date, the person's name, and what was discussed.
Be careful with statements and paperwork
You may be asked for a recorded statement or to sign a release or medical authorization. It is reasonable to ask what a document is for, to read it carefully, and to take time before agreeing. If something is unclear, an attorney licensed in your state can explain it.
Start a record file
Keep photos, the police report number, repair estimates, medical visit summaries, bills, receipts, and every letter or email in a single folder, either paper or digital. Our guide on documents to organize after a car accident goes into more detail.
Keep track of how the accident affects daily life
A brief journal can help you remember appointments, missed work, and everyday tasks that became difficult. It does not need to be long or polished.
Know that rules and deadlines vary
Requirements for reporting an accident, notifying an insurer, and taking further action differ by state and sometimes by the type of claim. This guide cannot tell you which ones apply to you. If you are unsure, your insurer, local motor vehicle agency, or an attorney licensed where the accident happened can explain what applies. Our overview of the claim process describes how these pieces generally fit together.
General information only. This article is not legal or medical advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not reflect the law or procedures where you live. This website is owned and operated by Case Advisors, which is not a law firm.