March 31, 2025
What to do after a car accident? Stay safe, document everything, and protect your rights. Here's a quick guide:
Why follow this checklist? It ensures your safety, simplifies the claims process, and prevents costly mistakes. Save this guide in your car for emergencies.
What you do right after a collision can make a big difference. The first few minutes are critical for avoiding further accidents and ensuring everyone's well-being.
Take a moment to assess everyone involved. Adrenaline can mask injuries, so look closely.
"Quickly determine if you or any passengers are injured and whether or not it is safe to move or get out of your car. Take a deep breath and do your best to remain calm before taking action."
Watch for these injury signs:
Some injuries might not show up right away. If anyone seems hurt, avoid moving them and wait for medical help.
Once you're sure injuries are handled or stabilized, focus on getting to a safe area. If your car is drivable and you're unhurt, move it out of harm's way.
"If there are no injuries and the vehicle is drivable, safely move to the right or left emergency lane. Some state laws require drivable vehicles to be removed from the roadway to avoid traffic congestion."
Here’s how to stay safe:
If there are injuries or the situation escalates, call emergency services right away. Dial 911 if:
When you call, be ready to share:
Stay on the line until help arrives.
Once safety is ensured, it's time to document the scene. Proper documentation can help protect your interests and make the claims process smoother. Here's how to cover all the bases:
Use your phone or camera to capture clear pictures from various angles. Focus on these key details:
Exchange and record essential details with the other drivers. Here's what to collect:
| Detail | What to Note |
|---|---|
| Name & Contact | Full name, phone number, and home address |
| Driver's License | License number, state of issue, and expiration date |
| Vehicle | Make, model, year, and license plate number |
| Insurance | Provider name, policy number, and contact info |
Whenever possible, photograph these documents to ensure accuracy.
If there are witnesses, approach them quickly. Get their full name, phone number, and email address. Ask for their account of what they saw and note their position during the incident. This can add valuable context to your documentation.
Filing a police report ensures there's an official record, which can be crucial if issues arise later. Many states require you to report accidents involving injuries or significant property damage.
When the police arrive, have the following information ready:
If the police don’t come to the scene, visit the nearest station to file a report. This can help avoid disputes over responsibility or injuries that might not be immediately obvious.
Once the report is filed, make sure to gather the necessary details for future reference.
Before leaving the scene, collect the following information:
| Information Needed | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Officer's name and badge number | For follow-up questions or clarifications |
| Report/incident number | Required to obtain copies and file insurance claims |
| Responding department | Helps locate the report later |
| Estimated completion time | Reports are usually ready within 5–10 business days |
Police reports are often available for a small fee, typically ranging from $5 to $25. Your insurance company can assist you in obtaining a copy. Most police departments offer several ways to request the report:
Once you've documented official reports, reach out to your insurer right away to start the claims process.
Notify your insurance company within 24 hours to meet policy requirements. Most insurers provide 24/7 claims support - check the phone number on your insurance card.
Make sure to have these details ready when you call:
| Required Information | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Accident Details | Date, time, and exact location |
| Vehicle Information | Make, model, year, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved |
| People Involved | Names and contact details of drivers, passengers, and witnesses |
| Police Information | Officer's name, badge number, and report number |
| Documentation | Photos of the damage and accident scene |
Once you've reported the accident, an adjuster will evaluate the damage and guide you through the claims process. To make it easier:
"Understanding how the auto insurance claims process works, including reporting an accident, working with an insurance adjuster, and getting your car repaired, if necessary, can make filing a claim more seamless and less stressful." - Progressive
If there's any disagreement over the settlement, work with your adjuster or have your repair shop discuss costs on your behalf. If needed, you can also reach out to your state insurance department for assistance.
If your car can't be driven, contact your insurer for towing services. Many policies include roadside assistance, so check your coverage.
Things to keep in mind for towing:
Even if you feel okay, it's important to see a doctor right away. Adrenaline can hide pain and injuries that might cause serious issues later on.
Be alert for these delayed symptoms:
| Symptom Type | Warning Signs | When to Seek Care |
|---|---|---|
| Head & Neck | Headaches, dizziness, whiplash | Immediately |
| Internal | Abdominal pain, numbness, tingling | Within 24 hours |
| Cognitive | Memory issues, confusion, focus problems | As soon as noticed |
| Emotional | Anxiety, sleep changes, PTSD symptoms | Within the first week |
Don't wait for symptoms to get worse. Injuries like whiplash, common in rear-end accidents, often take time to show up.
"After a car accident, it is essential to prioritize your health and well-being. Even if you don't have any visible injuries, seeking medical attention promptly is still crucial." - The Dominguez Firm
After getting medical care, organize all your medical records right away. This includes emergency visits, treatment notes, diagnostic results, and any expenses. Make sure to store original documents securely, following HIPAA guidelines.
Keep track of your recovery by noting details like:
If your condition worsens, schedule a follow-up visit immediately. Addressing issues early not only helps your recovery but also strengthens your case for insurance claims.
Comprehensive medical records are essential for insurance and legal purposes. Keep copies of everything, and store the originals in a safe place.
Once you've received medical attention, it's time to address your vehicle repairs. Start by noting where your vehicle has been towed and keeping a record of the towing company's details. If you're far from home, look for a repair shop that can work with your insurance to arrange vehicle transport.
When choosing a repair shop, keep these key points in mind:
While insurance companies may recommend specific repair shops, remember that you have the right to select one you trust. Once you've chosen a shop, your insurance can inspect the vehicle there. After the claim is approved, the shop will provide a written estimate and order the necessary parts to begin repairs.
At Custom Collision, our ASE-certified technicians handle everything from dent repairs to windshield replacements. We prioritize clear communication, so you're informed every step of the way. With their expertise, they'll restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
