What to Do After a Car Accident: A Real-World Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve just been in a car accident, take a deep breath. First, check for injuries, make sure everyone is safe, and call 911 if needed. Then, exchange information, document everything at the scene, contact your insurance, and see a doctor if you’re feeling even slightly off. Doing these things right away protects both your health and your rights.

First Things First: Stay Calm and Stay Put

Car accidents are overwhelming. One moment you’re driving, and the next — you’re dealing with a collision, adrenaline, maybe even shock. It’s okay to feel shaken. What matters now is what you do next.

This guide walks you through each step, from those first confusing minutes to the follow-up days after. It’s designed to be practical, easy to follow, and help you stay in control.

Right After the Crash: What to Do in the First 15 Minutes

1. Check for Injuries and Make Sure Everyone Is Okay

• Don’t leave the scene.
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Look around: Are you hurt? Are your passengers?
• If someone’s seriously injured, call 911 — and don’t move them unless there’s a danger, like fire.

2. Move Your Vehicle (But Only If It’s Safe)

• If the cars still work and no one’s hurt, pull over to the shoulder.
• Set up cones or flares if you have them.
• Never risk stepping into traffic — your safety comes first.

3. Call 911

Call if:

• Anyone’s hurt (even slightly)
• There’s serious damage to the cars
• The other driver is being difficult or seems intoxicated
• It’s a hit-and-run
• Your vehicles are blocking traffic

In some states:

• If damage looks minor and nobody’s hurt, police may not come out.
• Many states have a damage amount — like $1,000 or $2,500 — where police might skip the scene.

Either way, calling 911 helps create a police report. If an officer responds, they might give you a Driver Exchange Form or similar report. Hang onto it.

4. Exchange the Right Info

Here’s what you need from each other:

• Full names, phone numbers, and addresses
• Insurance company names and policy numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Names and phone numbers of passengers
• Name and contact of the vehicle owner (if not the driver)

What You Shouldn’t Do:

• Don’t say “I’m sorry” or admit fault — even if you think it’s polite.
• Don’t sign anything from the other driver unless it’s an official form.

5. Take Photos and Notes

Use your phone to capture everything:

• Damage to all cars involved (close and wide shots)
• Skid marks, traffic lights, road signs
• The weather and lighting
• All license plates
• Debris, glass, or items on the road
• Photos of insurance cards
• A screenshot of your phone’s GPS/map

Also write down:

• Date, time, and location
• Names and badge numbers of officers
• Report number if one is given
• A few notes on what happened while it’s still fresh

Ask nearby witnesses for their names and numbers, too.

What to Do After You Leave the Scene

1. See a Doctor — Even if You Feel Fine

It’s not unusual to feel okay at first. But hours or even days later, soreness or pain can show up.

• Visit your primary doctor, urgent care, or ER
• Consider seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist

Be sure to tell your provider the injury is from a car accident — it helps when dealing with insurance.

And keep track of every symptom, even the ones that seem small.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

Most insurers want to know about accidents within 24–48 hours.

• Contact your own provider first
• Tell them what happened — just the facts
• Don’t guess, don’t blame, and don’t exaggerate

Ask about your coverage, next steps, and whether they offer rental car help.

3. Request the Police Report

• Go to the local station or check their website
• Use your report number, or ask for a 911 transcript if no report was filed

4. Keep All Your Records in One Place

Use this checklist to make sure you’re not missing anything:

✅ Accident Records Checklist

• Police Report: Copy of the official report or 911 log
• Photos/Videos: Everything from the scene
• Witness Contacts: Names and any statements
• Medical Records: Doctor’s notes, bills, prescriptions
• Repair Estimates and Final Invoices
• Insurance Emails/Calls: Logs, claim numbers
• Other Costs: Towing, rental car, transport
• Lost Income Docs: From employer, if you missed work
• Legal Letters: Any communication with attorneys or courts

5. Plan for Repairs or Next Steps with Your Car

• You can choose the body shop — it’s your right
• Get a written estimate and confirm what insurance will cover
• Ask about rental coverage or reimbursement

If your car loses value after repairs, you may qualify for a diminished value claim. These usually need a pro appraisal.

When It’s Smart to Talk to a Lawyer

You don’t always need one. But if you’re hurt or stuck, a lawyer can make a big difference.

Call a Lawyer If:

• You’re injured (or a passenger is)
• The other driver is blaming you
• Insurance is denying or dragging out payment
• It was a hit-and-run
• A motorcycle or commercial truck was involved
• The other driver has no insurance or low limits

A good attorney will:

• Negotiate on your behalf
• Help gather evidence (including dash cam footage)
• Make sure deadlines are met — like the statute of limitations
• File a lawsuit if needed

Also check if your policy includes PIP (Personal Injury Protection) or MedPay — these might cover your medical bills no matter who’s at fault.

Common Questions People Ask After a Crash

What if there’s no damage?

Still share info and take photos. Some damage doesn’t show up until later.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

If you’ve got uninsured motorist coverage, use it. A lawyer can help explain your options.

What’s a “no-fault” state?

In those states, your own insurance pays for injuries, no matter who caused the crash.

Should I say it was my fault?

No. Don’t admit anything at the scene. Just share facts.

What if the driver leaves (hit-and-run)?

• Call 911
• Get whatever details you can
• Look for witnesses and security cameras

How long do I have to file a claim?

• Injury claims: often 1–3 years
• Property damage: 2–5 years

State laws vary — talk to a local lawyer to be sure.

What’s a diminished value claim?

Even after repairs, your car might be worth less. You can ask for compensation, but usually need a certified appraiser.

Are dash cams useful?

Absolutely. They show what really happened. Some insurers even give you a discount for using one.

What if I was just a passenger?

You can file a claim — either through the driver’s policy, the other driver, or even your own medical coverage.

Final Thoughts

Getting in an accident is stressful. But knowing what to do makes all the difference.

• Take care of yourself and others first
• Don’t panic — follow the steps
• Keep records of everything
• Get legal or medical help when needed

The more you know now, the better prepared you’ll be later.

Stay safe out there.

More useful tips for you can be found in other articles on our website.