What to Do After a Car Accident: Step-by-Step Guidance for Drivers
Car accidents can feel overwhelming, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious crash. The moments afterward can feel like a blur, which is why knowing what to do after a car accident ahead of time matters. Having a clear action plan can help keep you safe, protect your rights, and deal with insurance without extra stress.
Here’s what to do when you get in a wreck — from the immediate steps at the accident scene to the follow-up tasks in the days ahead.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Key Steps To Follow
These steps will help you handle what happens when you get into a car accident safely, confidently, and without missing important details.
1. Prioritize Safety Immediately After the Accident
First things first: protect yourself and others. If your vehicle is still drivable, move it out of traffic to avoid further danger. Turn on your hazard lights so your car is more visible.
If you’re stuck in the middle of the road and can’t move, stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives — unless there’s an immediate risk like fire or smoke. Use caution before stepping out into traffic.
2. Check for Injuries and Call Emergency Services
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if everyone says they feel fine, some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, might not be obvious right away.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there’s significant vehicle damage. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions about what to do after a car accident. When police officers arrive, cooperate fully and ask about how to obtain a copy of the police report. You’ll need to submit this document as part of the insurance claims process.
3. Exchange Information With the Other Driver
When everyone is safely out of danger, exchange your contact and insurance information with all of the drivers involved in the accident. Make note of their:
- Full names and phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plates
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Addresses (if required by local law)
Be polite to the other drivers, but avoid discussing who was at fault. Statements about the accident that are made in the moment can complicate a future claim for damage or injury.
4. Document the Scene Thoroughly
Take photos of everything: yours and any other vehicles, the accident scene, road signs, skid marks, weather conditions, and anything else that could show what happened. Don’t forget to grab close-up shots of the vehicle damage and all license plates involved.
Write down the time, location, and road conditions at the time of the accident. Ask any witnesses for their names and contact info, too. Their input might help support your accident report or insurance claim later on.
5. Watch Out for Predatory Tow Trucks
Some tow truck drivers will show up uninvited and charge excessive fees or take your car to an unauthorized shop. If a tow truck arrives that you didn’t request, ask who sent them. Unless the police or your insurance company dispatched them, it’s safer to decline the service.
When you do need a tow, confirm the driver’s company name, get a receipt, and take photos of your car before it’s moved.
6. Report the Accident and Start the Insurance Claim
Depending on your state, you may be legally required to file a police report even if the damage seems minor.
Next, call your insurance company to report the crash and begin the claims process. Be ready to share:
- The other drivers’ information
- Photos of the accident scene
- A copy of the police report (when available)
- Medical reports or bills if injuries occurred
- Details about vehicle damage and property damage
Don’t delay making that call, as waiting too long can complicate the claim or affect your coverage.
7. Seek Medical Attention, Even for Minor Symptoms
The adrenaline coursing through your body after a crash can mask pain. Some symptoms and conditions can take hours or days to show up, including whiplash, muscle strain, or mild concussions.
Visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. This can protect your health and provide medical documentation, which may be needed if your symptoms worsen or you need to recover medical bills through an insurance claim.
8. Know Your Rights and Avoid Admitting Fault
It’s natural to feel apologetic after an accident, but saying “I’m sorry” can be misunderstood as admitting responsibility. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver or police officers.
Let the insurance companies investigate and determine who was at fault. If you’re concerned about how to move forward, speak with an attorney.
Compare Car Insurance Options Before the Unexpected Happens
What happens if you get into a car accident often depends on the kind of insurance coverage you have. Collision coverage and comprehensive car insurance cover vehicle damage, while liability car insurance handles the damage you cause to others.
It’s worth taking time to review your policy limits. Many drivers discover they’re underinsured only after an accident.
Insurance rates after a car accident can shift quickly and so do the prices across different companies. Because coverage options vary based on your ZIP code, driving history, and vehicle, the best way to get the right fit is to compare custom quotes regularly.
Get a free, personalized comparison in minutes through EverQuote. One quick form could help you find better coverage at a better price.