Not legal or medical advice. If you have an emergency, call 911.
The minutes and days after a car accident can shape both your recovery and any claim. This guide walks through 12 steps in order. If you just had a crash, start at step 1 and take it one step at a time. For a printable version, see our car accident checklist.
Step 1: Check for injuries and call 911
Check yourself, your passengers and the other people involved. If anyone is hurt — or you're unsure — call 911. Don't move someone who may have a neck or back injury unless they are in danger, such as from fire or traffic.
Step 2: Move to safety
If the cars can be driven and no one is badly hurt, move them out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and use flares or triangles if you have them. If you can't move the cars, get people to a safe spot away from the road.
Step 3: Call the police
A police report is independent evidence of what happened. Most states require reporting crashes that cause injury, death or significant damage. Ask the officer for the report number and how to get a copy. Answer questions honestly and stick to facts.
Step 4: Exchange information
Get the following from every driver involved: full name and phone number, driver's license number, insurance company and policy number, license plate, and the vehicle's make, model and color. If a driver was working — a delivery, rideshare or company vehicle — write down the company name.
Step 5: Photograph everything
Use your phone to capture the scene before it changes. Photograph all vehicles from several angles, license plates, skid marks, debris, road conditions, traffic signs and signals, and your visible injuries. A short video walking around the scene helps too.
Step 6: Get witness details
Independent witnesses can settle disputes about fault. Ask for names and phone numbers. Note any businesses or homes with cameras that may have recorded the crash.
Step 7: Be careful what you say
Avoid apologizing, guessing or saying you're fine. "I'm sorry" can sound like admitting fault, and "I'm okay" can be used later to argue you weren't hurt. Stick to facts you know.
Step 8: See a doctor
Get checked within a day or two, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can hide pain, and injuries like whiplash, concussions and back injuries often show up later. Tell the doctor you were in a crash and describe every symptom. In some no-fault states, PIP benefits depend on prompt treatment. Read about delayed pain after a car accident.
Step 9: Notify your insurer
Report the crash to your own insurance company promptly — most policies require it. Give the basic facts and the police report number. Ask what coverage you have, such as collision, PIP, MedPay and uninsured motorist coverage.
Step 10: Keep an accident file
Put every document in one place: the police report number, photos, the other driver's information, medical records and bills, receipts, notes about missed work and every letter from an insurer. A short daily journal of pain and limitations is valuable too.
Step 11: Be careful with the other driver's insurer
Their adjuster works for the at-fault driver's insurer. You can give basic facts, but you generally don't have to give a recorded statement, sign a broad medical release or accept an early offer. Read should I talk to the other driver's insurance?
Step 12: Know your deadline and get advice
Every state sets a deadline to file an injury lawsuit, and some are only one year. Insurance and government-claim deadlines can be much shorter. Check how long you have to file and your state's rules. If you were hurt, a free consultation with an attorney can help you understand your options before you sign anything.
What to do after specific types of crashes
Some crashes need extra steps:
- Truck accidents: write down the carrier name and USDOT number, and act fast so electronic logs are preserved. See truck accident claims.
- Rideshare accidents: screenshot your trip in the app and report it there. See Uber or Lyft accident: who pays?
- Hit-and-run: report to police immediately and note any part of the plate. See what to do after a hit-and-run.
- Uninsured driver: check your uninsured motorist coverage. See hit by an uninsured driver?
- Pedestrian or cyclist: your own auto policy may still help. See pedestrian hit by a car.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the scene before police arrive (when it's safe to stay)
- Skipping or delaying medical care
- Posting about the crash on social media
- Throwing away damaged items like car seats, helmets or phones
- Accepting a quick settlement before you know how badly you're hurt
- Missing your state's deadline
Ready to find out whether you may have a claim? Take the 5-question check or start your free case review.