A car accident is a shocking and disorienting event. In a matter of seconds, you’re dealing with vehicle damage, potential injuries, and a rush of adrenaline that makes it hard to think clearly. What you do in the first few minutes and hours after a collision can have a massive impact on your health, your finances, and any future legal claims.
Knowing the right steps to take can bring order to the chaos and protect your rights. This 10-step checklist is designed to guide you through the process, from the initial impact to filing your claim.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first and most important priority is safety. Before you do anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, unconscious, or complaining of head, neck, or back pain, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger (like a fire).
Call 911 immediately. Report the accident, your location, and the number of people involved. Be clear about any known injuries so they can dispatch the right emergency services (police, ambulance, and fire department). Even if there are no obvious injuries, a police presence is essential.
2. Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If the accident is minor and your car is drivable, move it to a safe location, like the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. This is crucial for preventing a secondary accident from oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers.
However, if your car is severely damaged, it’s safer to stay put with your seatbelt on (if you are not injured) and wait for the police. Only exit the vehicle if you are certain it is safe to do so and you can get completely away from traffic.
3. Call the Police
Even if the accident seems minor and the other driver is cooperative, you must call the police. The other driver might try to talk you out of it, suggesting you “handle it between yourselves.” Do not agree to this.
A formal police report is the single most important piece of evidence you will have. It’s an official, unbiased record of the accident, including the date, time, location, parties involved, witness statements, and often the officer’s initial assessment of fault. Without this report, the other driver could change their story later, and you would have no official record to back up your claim.
4. Exchange Information (and What NOT to Say)
While waiting for the police, calmly exchange information with the other driver. Do not get into an argument or discuss who was at fault.
Get the following information:
- Full Name and Contact Info: (Address, phone number)
- Insurance Company and Policy Number
- Driver’s License Number
- License Plate Number
- Make, Model, and Color of their Vehicle
What NOT to Say: This is just as important. Adrenaline and shock can make you want to apologize, but you must resist. Never say “I’m sorry,” “It was my fault,” or “I’m not hurt.” These statements can be interpreted as an admission of guilt by insurance companies and can be used against you, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Stick to the facts only.
5. Document the Scene Thoroughly
Your phone is your best tool. Take as many photos and videos as you safely can, from multiple angles. This evidence is invaluable.
Be sure to capture:
- Damage to Both Cars: Get wide shots of both cars and close-ups of all damaged areas.
- The Entire Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including skid marks, debris on the road, and any property damage (like a broken sign or guardrail).
- Road and Weather Conditions: Document if it was raining, if the sun was in your eyes, or if there were potholes.
- License Plates and VINs: Get clear shots of both cars’ license plates.
- Traffic Signs and Signals: Photograph the intersection, stop signs, or traffic lights.
6. Get Witness Information
If there were any other drivers or pedestrians who saw the accident, they are now independent witnesses. Their account can be critical if the other driver disputes your version of events. Politely ask for their name and phone number. Most people are willing to help.
7. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
This is a critical step that many people skip, especially if they “feel fine.” You must get a medical evaluation on the same day as the accident. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, and even internal bleeding, which may not show symptoms for hours or days.
Going to an urgent care center or your primary doctor creates a medical record that directly links your injuries to the accident. This record is non-negotiable proof for insurance companies and is the foundation of any potential injury claim.
8. Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance agent or the company’s claims hotline as soon as possible. Tell them you were in an accident and provide the basic facts: where it happened, when it happened, and the information you collected from the other driver.
Do not speculate on fault or give a detailed, recorded statement until you are calm and have all your facts straight. Just report the incident.
9. Keep a Detailed File
Create a single file (physical or digital) and put everything related to the accident in it. This will keep you organized and ensure you don’t lose track of critical documents.
Your file should include:
- The police report number.
- All photos and videos you took.
- The other driver’s information.
- Witness contact info.
- All medical records, bills, and receipts.
- Estimates for vehicle repairs.
- A log of all calls and emails with insurance companies.
10. Understand When to Contact a Lawyer
For a minor fender-bender with no injuries, you might be able to handle the claim yourself. However, you should always consult a personal injury lawyer if:
- You or any of your passengers were injured.
- Fault is disputed by the other driver or their insurance.
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured.
- The insurance company is delaying your claim or giving you a low-ball offer.
- The legal or insurance paperwork becomes overwhelming.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses; their goal is to pay out as little as possible. A lawyer works for you. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation to review your case and will work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. An initial call can give you peace of mind and clarify your rights.