Every organization that may be involved after a US car accident β with the right number and what they do for you.
For any accident with injuries, blocked traffic, or an unresponsive driver. One call dispatches police, fire, and EMS to your location.
π 911Available 24/7 nationwide. Non-emergency police line varies by county.
They file the official accident report. Request a copy online or in person β typically available 3β5 business days after the incident.
π Via 911 dispatchThe police report is required by most insurers. Get the officer's name, badge number, and report number at the scene.
The claims number is on your insurance card. Report within 24β72 hours per your policy. They assign an adjuster and open your claim file.
π See your insurance cardGEICO: 800-841-3000 Β· State Farm: 800-732-5246 Β· Progressive: 800-776-4737 Β· Allstate: 800-255-7828
Go even if you feel fine. Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding often show no symptoms for hours. Your ER visit creates the medical record tying injuries to the accident.
π 911 or nearest ERUse Google Maps to find the nearest ER with the shortest wait times.
If your insurer acts in bad faith, delays unreasonably, or denies a valid claim β file a free complaint with your state's insurance regulator.
π Find your state: naic.orgThe NAIC lists every state's regulator at naic.org.
If you can't afford an attorney, legal aid organizations provide free help. State Bar associations offer referral services by specialty and location.
π 1-800-285-2221ABA referral service. Also: lawhelp.org for free legal aid by state.
Stay put, call 911, photograph everything, exchange information, wait for the police report. Do not admit fault or sign anything.
Call to open a claim. Provide the police report number, photos, and all party information. Get your claim number in writing.
Document all injuries β even if minor. Keep every bill and prescription receipt. Start a written symptom log.
The insurance adjuster inspects your vehicle before authorizing repairs. Do not fix anything until after this inspection β it could jeopardize your claim.
Some states (e.g. California) require a separate DMV report within 10 days if there was injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Check your state's DMV website.
Most states give you 2 to 3 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim.