Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is stressful, disorienting, and often physically and emotionally difficult — even if the collision seems minor. Knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath can help you handle the situation more calmly and make sure you don't overlook anything important.
Your safety is the first priority. Move to a safe location if your vehicle is driveable and you're in a dangerous position, and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries — if anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Call the police. Even for minor accidents, a police report creates an official record of what happened. Exchange information with any other drivers involved: full name and contact information, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company name and policy number, and vehicle details.
Take photos and video of all vehicles involved, the position of vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If bystanders witnessed the accident, ask for their names and contact details.
Do not admit fault at the scene. Fault determination is a legal and insurance matter that takes into account all available information.
If you're injured, seek medical care right away. For serious injuries, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For less obvious injuries, it still makes sense to be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible — some injuries, including soft tissue damage and concussions, may not present obvious symptoms immediately.
Keep records of all medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as practical. Most insurers have a timeframe within which accidents must be reported. Be factual and accurate when you describe what happened. Your insurer will investigate the accident, assess the damage, and guide you through the claims process.
If you have questions about your policy's coverage — such as collision coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, or medical payments — ask your insurer's claims representative directly.
After an accident, the claims process generally involves filing a claim with your insurer or the at-fault driver's insurer, an adjuster reviewing the damage and relevant documentation, an assessment of fault based on the police report and other evidence, and a settlement offer for vehicle damage and, in injury cases, for medical expenses and other losses.
If your vehicle is damaged, you may be offered a repair estimate or, if the car is deemed a total loss, a payout based on the vehicle's actual cash value. Keeping thorough records can help move your claim along efficiently.
Some people involved in motor vehicle accidents — particularly those where injuries occurred — choose to speak with a personal injury attorney to understand their rights and options under applicable state law.
Many personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. What outcomes, if any, may be available in your specific situation depends on the facts of the accident, applicable state law, and many other factors. We are not able to provide legal advice or make any representation about what you may be entitled to.
If you're considering speaking with an attorney, it's generally best to do so sooner rather than later, as evidence and witness recollections can fade over time.
Do I have to report an accident to the police?
It depends on your state and the severity of the accident. Most states require you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage above a certain dollar threshold. Even when not legally required, having a police report is generally beneficial for the insurance claims process.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it may help cover your expenses. Contact your insurer to understand your options under your specific policy.
Can I wait to seek medical attention?
It's generally not advisable to delay. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and a gap between the accident and medical treatment can complicate both your recovery and any insurance claim. If you have concerns about injuries, see a doctor promptly.
What is a total loss?
A vehicle is typically declared a total loss when the cost to repair it exceeds the vehicle's actual cash value — or a percentage of it, depending on state rules and the insurer's guidelines. In that case, the insurer pays out the determined value of the vehicle.
How long do I have to file a claim or take legal action?
Deadlines for filing insurance claims and legal claims vary significantly by state and type of claim. It is important not to delay. Check your insurance policy for claim reporting requirements and consult with an attorney in your state if you're considering legal action.
What should I not say to the other driver's insurance company?
Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlements without fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages. It is generally advisable to consult with an attorney before speaking with the at-fault driver's insurance company, particularly if you were injured.
Being in an accident is hard. Focus on your health first, document everything you can, and don't rush into any decisions until you understand your options.
This content is for general informational purposes only. No legal, insurance, or medical advice is given. No outcomes are guaranteed or implied.