An accident is disorienting. Having a clear list of what to do helps you protect yourself, gather needed information, and set up your insurance claim properly.
At the Scene: Safety First
1. Check for Injuries
- Check yourself for injuries
- Check passengers and other drivers
- Call 911 if anyone is injured
- Don't move injured people unless there's immediate danger
2. Move to Safety
- If possible and safe, move vehicles out of traffic
- Turn on hazard lights
- Set up flares or triangles if available
- Stand away from traffic
3. Call Police
Even for minor accidents, a police report is valuable for insurance claims. In some states, police reports are required for accidents above a certain damage threshold.
Don't Admit Fault
Be polite but don't say "I'm sorry" or admit fault. Fault determination involves many factors that may not be apparent at the scene.
Gathering Information
Exchange Information
Get from all other drivers:
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver's license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
Document the Scene
- Take photos of all vehicles from multiple angles
- Photograph damage to all vehicles
- Capture the overall scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and weather
- Take pictures of license plates and insurance cards
Get Witness Information
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Ask if they'd provide a statement
Note Details
- Time and date
- Location (street names, landmarks)
- Weather and road conditions
- How the accident happened (your perspective)
When Police Arrive
- Cooperate fully
- Provide your license, registration, and insurance
- Give an honest account without speculating
- Get the officer's name and badge number
- Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report
Within 24 Hours
Report to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer promptly, even if you're not at fault. Provide:
- Basic facts of the accident
- Information about other parties
- Police report number
See a Doctor
Even if you feel fine, get checked. Some injuries don't appear immediately. Documentation of medical visits helps if you later need to make injury claims.
Obtain the Police Report
Note how and when you can get a copy. You'll need this for your claim.
Things to Avoid
- Don't admit fault at the scene or to insurers
- Don't sign anything except police documents without understanding it
- Don't give recorded statements to the other driver's insurance without consulting your own insurer first
- Don't accept quick settlement offers before understanding full damages
- Don't post about the accident on social media
Quick Reference Checklist
Print or save this list to have in your car:
- ☐ Check for injuries, call 911 if needed
- ☐ Move to safety, use hazard lights
- ☐ Call police
- ☐ Exchange information with other drivers
- ☐ Take photos of everything
- ☐ Get witness contact info
- ☐ Get police report information
- ☐ Report to your insurance company
- ☐ See a doctor if any possibility of injury
Being prepared helps you stay calm and protect your interests after an accident. Keep this checklist accessible so you know exactly what to do if it ever happens.