What to do after a car accident

The minutes after a crash are stressful. This guide walks you through a calm, practical sequence — from the first safety check at the scene to organizing your records in the days that follow.

Emergency: If this is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Check for injuries and call 911 if needed

Your first priority is people, not property. Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, unconscious, or in danger, call 911 right away and ask for medical help. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather send help you don't end up needing.

💡 Try not to move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger.

💡 Adrenaline can mask pain, so don't assume no visible injury means no injury.

Get to safety and warn other traffic

If the vehicles are drivable and it's safe, move them out of active lanes to the shoulder or a nearby lot. If you can't move them, leave them where they are, get yourself and passengers to a safe spot away from traffic, and turn on your hazard lights. Use flares, triangles, or your phone flashlight to make the scene more visible.

💡 Stay clear of the roadway — secondary crashes are a real risk.

Call the police and get a report number

In many situations it helps to have police document the crash, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or a dispute about what happened. When officers arrive, ask how to obtain the report and write down the report or incident number. That number makes it far easier to get the official crash report later.

💡 Note the responding agency (city police, county sheriff, or state patrol).

Exchange information with the other driver

Calmly exchange names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance company and policy details. Note the make, model, and color of each vehicle. Stay factual and polite, and avoid arguing about who was at fault at the scene.

💡 Photograph the other driver's insurance card and license if they're shared.

Document the scene and take photos

Photograph everything: wide shots of the whole scene from several angles, close-ups of all damage on every vehicle, license plates, road markings, signs and signals, and any debris. Good photos are one of the most valuable things you can do to protect yourself later.

💡 See our photo checklist below for a complete shot list.

Look for witnesses

If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses can be extremely helpful if there's later disagreement about how the crash occurred. Also note any nearby traffic cameras, business security cameras, or doorbell cameras that may have recorded it.

Get a medical evaluation

Even if you feel fine, consider getting checked out. Some injuries — like whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries — can take hours or days to show symptoms. A prompt evaluation is good for your health and creates a clear record connecting any injuries to the crash.

💡 Seek emergency care immediately for any red-flag symptoms (see our ER guide).

Notify your insurance company

Report the crash to your insurer promptly, even if you weren't at fault. Give them the facts you have — location, time, other driver's info, the police report number, and your photos. Ask what they need from you and what your coverage includes.

Keep organized records

Start a simple folder — physical or digital — for everything related to the crash: photos, the report number, medical visits, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurers. Keeping it all in one place saves a lot of stress in the weeks that follow.

Not professional advice: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, medical, insurance, or professional advice.

Common questions

Should I call the police for a minor crash?

It's often worth it. Even for minor crashes, a police report creates an official, neutral record that can help with insurance and any later disagreement. Requirements for reporting vary, so when in doubt, calling the non-emergency line to ask is a reasonable step. If there are injuries or significant damage, calling makes sense.

What if the other driver leaves the scene?

If the other driver flees, it may be a hit-and-run. Prioritize your safety, do not chase them, and try to note their license plate, vehicle make, model, color, and direction of travel. Call the police to file a report — you'll generally need it for an insurance claim. See our hit-and-run guide for the full sequence.

Should I admit fault at the scene?

It's generally best to stay factual and avoid admitting or assigning fault at the scene, even if you feel responsible. Fault can depend on details that aren't obvious in the moment. Share the necessary information, cooperate with police, and let the insurers and any investigation sort out responsibility.

How soon should I see a doctor after a crash?

Sooner is generally better. Seek emergency care immediately for any serious or red-flag symptoms. Otherwise, getting evaluated promptly is wise because some injuries appear later, and a timely medical record clearly links any injuries to the crash.

What information do I need to collect at the scene?

Aim for the other driver's name, phone number, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance details; the responding agency and report number; photos of the scene, vehicles, and damage; and contact info for any witnesses.

Need local specifics?

Your city hub has the local police report process, insurance notes for your state, and nearby emergency resources.

Find Your City Police Report Guide