What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check for Injuries and Move to Safety

Immediately after a collision, take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you're able to do so safely, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic to reduce the risk of a secondary collision. If anyone is seriously injured, do not attempt to move them unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire — wait for emergency responders.

Turn on your hazard lights and, if available, set up warning triangles or flares to alert other drivers, especially in low-visibility conditions or on highways.

2. Call 911

Even for accidents that seem minor, calling 911 creates an official record of the incident. Police officers can document the scene, take statements from involved parties and witnesses, and issue a police report — a document that can be valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a legal case.

When speaking with police and other drivers, stick to factual descriptions of what happened. Avoid speculating about fault or apologizing in a way that could be interpreted as an admission of responsibility.

3. Document Everything

Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture vehicle positions, damage to all vehicles involved, license plates, skid marks, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

Write down (or record) details while they're fresh in your memory: the time and location of the accident, weather and road conditions, and a description of how the collision occurred. These details can become harder to recall accurately as time passes.

4. Exchange Information

Collect the following information from all drivers involved: full name and contact information, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company and policy number, and the make, model, and color of their vehicle. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well, since their accounts could become important later.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, it's wise to be evaluated by a medical professional after any collision involving meaningful impact. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries — like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage — may not become apparent until hours or days later.

Follow through with any recommended follow-up care, and keep records of all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and related expenses. These records help establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Most policies require prompt notification of an accident. When speaking with your own insurer, stick to the basic facts — when, where, and how the accident happened — without speculating about fault or providing unnecessary details about your injuries before you've been fully evaluated.

Be cautious about giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. You're generally not obligated to do so, and statements made early on — before you understand the full extent of your injuries — can sometimes be used to minimize your claim later.

7. Consider Consulting an Attorney

If the accident resulted in significant injuries, disputed fault, or an insurance company that seems unwilling to offer a fair settlement, it may be worth having an attorney review your case. Many personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, and understanding your options early can help you avoid mistakes that are difficult to undo later — such as accepting an early settlement offer that doesn't account for the full scope of your injuries.