What to Do After a Car Accident

Updated October 6, 2026

The minutes and days after a crash can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through practical steps many people find helpful, in the order they usually come up.

1. Check for injuries and get to a safe place

Start with safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If the cars can be moved and it is safe to do so, move them out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. If a car cannot be moved, or someone is injured, stay where you are safe and wait for help.

Try to stay calm. Adrenaline can hide pain, so it is common to feel fine at first and notice symptoms later.

2. Call the police when appropriate

Many people call the police after any crash, and in many places drivers are required to report accidents that involve injuries or significant damage. A police report can be a useful record of what happened, who was involved, and what witnesses said. When an officer arrives, give clear, factual answers. Ask how you can get a copy of the report and write down the report number.

3. Exchange information with the other driver

Collect the basic details from every driver involved:

• Full name and phone number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver's license number and state
• License plate number, and the make, model, and color of the vehicle
• The owner of the vehicle, if it is not the driver

You do not need to discuss who caused the crash. Be polite, stick to exchanging information, and avoid apologizing or guessing about fault. Statements made in the moment can be misunderstood later.

4. Document the scene

If it is safe, take photos and short videos with your phone. Helpful pictures include:

• All vehicles involved, from several angles, including damage and license plates
• The position of the vehicles before they are moved, if possible
• Skid marks, debris, traffic signs, signals, and road conditions
• The weather and lighting
• Any visible injuries

If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses can be important later. Before you leave, write down the time, the location, and what you remember while it is still fresh.

5. Get medical attention

If you have pain, discomfort, dizziness, or other symptoms, consider getting checked by a medical professional, even if the symptoms seem minor. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue injuries, may not be obvious for hours or days. Follow the treatment plan you are given and keep every appointment. Medical records created close to the date of the accident can help show how your injuries are connected to the crash.

6. Notify your insurance company

Most auto insurance policies require you to report an accident promptly. When you call, give the basic facts: when and where it happened, who was involved, and the damage you can see. You do not have to guess about things you are not sure of. Ask for your claim number and write down the name of everyone you speak with.

The other driver's insurance company may also contact you. You can be polite, but you are generally not required to give them a recorded statement right away. Many people choose to understand their options before they do.

7. Be careful with statements, signatures, and social media

Before you give a recorded statement or sign anything, make sure you understand what you are being asked. Read releases and settlement papers closely, because signing one may end your ability to make further claims. It is also wise to avoid posting about the accident or your injuries online, since posts can be taken out of context.

8. Keep organized records

Create one folder, on paper or on your phone, for everything related to the accident:

• The police report number and a copy of the report when it is available
• Photos, videos, and witness contact details
• Medical records, bills, and receipts for prescriptions and equipment
• Repair estimates, rental car receipts, and towing bills
• Records of missed work and lost pay
• Letters, emails, and notes from calls with insurance companies

A simple journal of how you feel each day and what you cannot do because of your injuries can also help you remember details later.

9. Pay attention to deadlines

Every state sets time limits for bringing claims after an accident, and the limits differ from state to state and by the type of claim. Some situations, such as a claim involving a government vehicle, can have much shorter notice requirements. Because deadlines vary, it is a good idea to learn which ones may apply to you as soon as reasonably possible.

10. Consider talking with an attorney

Many minor accidents are handled directly with insurance companies. Talking with a licensed attorney may be worth considering if you were injured, if fault is disputed, if the other driver was uninsured, or if an insurance company is pressuring you to settle quickly. A consultation does not obligate you to hire anyone, and it can help you understand your options before you make decisions.

A quick checklist

• Check for injuries and get to safety
• Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and the police when appropriate
• Exchange information, but do not argue about fault
• Take photos and get witness contact details
• Get medical care if you have symptoms
• Report the accident to your insurer and keep your claim number
• Keep every bill, receipt, and letter in one place
• Learn which deadlines may apply

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change over time. Attorney advertising. Accident Help Network is not a law firm.