Step-by-Step Guide: What To Do After a Car Accident

1

🚨 Immediately

Stop & Secure the Scene

Your first obligation under the law is to stop and remain at the scene. Then focus on safety before anything else.

Turn on hazard lights and move to the shoulder only if safe — otherwise leave the vehicle where it is
Set out flares or warning triangles if you have them — especially at night or on a highway
Do not move anyone who is injured unless there is immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic)
Stay calm. Adrenaline can mask injuries — you may be hurt without knowing it yet

⚠ Legal Obligation — All 50 States Leaving the scene before police arrive is a criminal offense nationwide. If someone was injured, it can be charged as a felony hit-and-run — regardless of who caused the crash.

2

🚨 Within 2 Minutes

Call 911

Even if the accident seems minor — always call 911. You need an official police report for insurance purposes, and an officer can assess whether medical care is needed.

Give your exact location — street address, highway mile marker, or nearest landmark
State how many vehicles and people are involved and whether anyone appears injured
Stay on the line — the dispatcher will guide you until help arrives
Request an ambulance even if you feel fine — symptoms like whiplash can appear hours later

ℹ️ Key Numbers Emergency: 911 | Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 | NHTSA Hotline: 1-888-327-4236

3

⏱ While Waiting for Police

Document Everything With Photos & Video

Visual evidence is often the most powerful proof in insurance disputes. Capture everything before anything is moved, cleaned up, or changed.

All vehicles — every angle, all four sides, close-up damage, and wide shots showing position on the road
License plates — zoom in clearly on all vehicles involved
The road — skid marks, debris, road signs, traffic signals, lane markings
Conditions — weather, time of day, visibility, lighting
Your injuries — photograph visible injuries immediately and again later as bruising develops
Text or email photos to yourself for a timestamped backup

4

⏱ At the Scene

Exchange Information — Carefully

You are legally required to exchange certain information with the other driver. Collect as much as possible, but watch what you say.

Other driver: full name, phone number, address, driver's license number and state
Vehicle: license plate, make, model, color, year, VIN (on dashboard or door jamb)
Insurance: company name, policy number, claims phone number
Witnesses: name and phone number — aim for at least 2–3 people
Officer: name, badge number, report number, and which department responded

⚠ Don't Say This Never say "I'm sorry," "It was my fault," or "I didn't see you." These statements can be used against you by insurance adjusters or in court — even if you weren't at fault. Stick to facts only.

5

✅ Within 24 Hours

Notify Your Insurance Company

Most policies require you to report an accident "promptly" — often within 24 to 72 hours. Delay can give the insurer grounds to deny your claim.

Call the claims number on your insurance card — not the general customer service line
Provide the police report number, location, time, and all parties involved
Submit photos and video through the insurer's app or claims portal
Ask for a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster
Don't sign anything yet — no recorded statements, no releases

ℹ️ If the Other Driver Was At Fault You can file a third-party claim against their liability insurance and also notify your own insurer. Your insurer can help coordinate and protect you if the other party disputes fault.

6

✅ Within 1–3 Days

See a Doctor — Even If You Feel OK

Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries often don't show symptoms until 24–72 hours after impact. A medical visit creates an official record linking your injuries to the accident.

Go to an urgent care, ER, or your primary care physician — whichever is fastest
Tell the doctor exactly how the injury occurred — "I was in a car accident" must appear in the medical record
Save every receipt — hospital bills, prescriptions, co-pays, physical therapy, transportation to appointments
Keep a symptom journal — date, what hurts, how it affects daily life

ℹ️ Why This Matters Insurance companies often argue that injuries not documented within days of an accident were unrelated to the crash. A prompt medical visit and clear records protect your right to recover those costs.

7

📋 In the Following Weeks

Understand Your Legal Options

Depending on the severity of injuries, property damage, and how the insurance process unfolds, make sure you understand your options before signing any settlement.

Statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits varies by state — typically 2 to 3 years from the accident date
You can negotiate with the insurer yourself — their first offer is rarely their best
If a claim is disputed or denied, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance
For smaller amounts (under ~$10,000 depending on state), Small Claims Court is available without a lawyer in all 50 states
Personal injury attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win — and are worth consulting for any serious injury