The trauma-informed personal injury lawyers at The Joel Bieber Firm created this resource to help you feel grounded, informed, and supported. A car accident can leave you shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. In high-stress moments like this, it’s common to forget details or feel pressure to make decisions quickly. However, you don’t have to handle everything at once.
This guide walks you through what to do after a car accident, step by step. Start with safety, follow a clear car accident checklist, and then take care of the next steps at your own pace.
Car Accident Checklist (Use This at the Scene)
1. Get to Safety and Check For Injuries
Immediately following the crash, check yourself and others for injuries. Turn on your hazard lights and move to a safer location if there are no serious injuries and it’s safe to do so. . Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone may be hurt, call 911 right away.
If you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, try not to move unless there is immediate danger, such as traffic or fire.
2. Call the Police and Get a Report
A police response creates an official accident report documenting the accident scene. Ask for the officer’s name and badge number, and how to obtain a copy of the report later.
3. Exchange the Right Information
At the accident scene, exchange information calmly and clearly with the other driver. This includes:
- Name and contact details
- Insurance company and policy information
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration
- License plate number
This exchange of information helps ensure accurate insurance information later.
If a commercial, delivery, or rideshare vehicle is involved, note the company name and any identifying details displayed on the vehicle.
4. Document the Scene
At the scene of the accident, take photos and videos of the surrounding safety conditions. Capture vehicle positions, license plate numbers, road conditions, and any witnesses who stopped to help. If you can, jot down quick notes about the time, weather, and what you remember happening. Also, consider recording your responses if things are happening quickly.
5. Get Witness Information
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact information. Independent witnesses can be important if there are questions later about how the accident occurred.
6. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel “okay,” consider being evaluated by a medical professional, such as Emergency Medical Services, who typically arrive at the scene when 911 is called. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries may not manifest for hours or even days.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible. When you contact your insurer, you are starting the insurance claim and broader claims process. Stick to basic facts about the car accident, the vehicles involved, and whether there were passengers or other parties.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t argue or escalate the situation
- Don’t admit fault or apologize in a way that suggests responsibility
- Don’t post publicly about the crash on social media
What to Do in the First Hour After a Car Crash
Once you’ve left the scene, these steps help protect both your health and your options.
Get Checked Out and Follow Up
If you didn’t receive care at the scene, consider visiting urgent care, the emergency room, or your primary care provider. Follow through on any recommended testing or referrals.
Start a Simple Symptom Timeline
Write down how you’re feeling over the next few days, even if symptoms seem minor. Note pain levels, headaches, dizziness, sleep problems, or emotional changes. This record can be helpful for medical care and documentation.
Create a Crash Folder
Keep everything related to the accident in one place, whether digital or physical:
- Photos and videos
- Police report number
- Insurance claim information
- Medical visit summaries
- Receipts for towing, repairs, or rentals
What to Say (and Not Say) to Police and Insurance
You can be cooperative and respectful without guessing or placing blame.
Talking to the Police
Share what you know based on your own observations. If you’re unsure about a detail, it’s okay to say you don’t know. Avoid estimating speed, distance, or fault if you’re not certain.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters
When reporting the accident, keep your statement factual and brief. You don’t need to interpret events or agree with conclusions you don’t understand.
If you’re asked for a recorded statement and feel unsure, it’s reasonable to ask for time to gather your information before responding.
Special Situations
Every crash is different. This quick guide may help if your situation isn’t straightforward.
- Minor accident with no visible injuries: Still document the scene and consider a medical evaluation. Symptoms and vehicle damage aren’t always obvious right away.
- Hit-and-run: Call the police immediately and note everything you remember, including partial plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, or direction of travel.
- Rideshare, delivery, or commercial vehicle crashes: Collect company names, driver information, and any trip or order details shown in the app or on the vehicle.
- If you feel too shaken to remember details: Shock and confusion are common trauma responses. Focus on safety first. You can document what you remember later, once you’re in a calmer environment.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Some injuries appear right away, while others develop over time.
- Soft-tissue injuries and whiplash may cause stiffness or pain hours or days later
- Concussions or head injuries can involve headaches, nausea, light sensitivity, or confusion
- Back and neck injuries may affect movement or cause radiating pain down arms and legs.
- Emotional effects such as anxiety, sleep disruption, or fear of driving are also common and valid
If symptoms change or worsen, seek medical care.
Insurance Basics After a Crash
After an auto accident, dealing with insurance can feel just as stressful as the collision itself. Understanding how the claims process works can help you protect yourself and avoid unnecessary delays.
Filing and Managing an Insurance Claim
Most people need to file a claim with their insurance company soon after the accident. This may involve your own insurer, the other driver’s insurance company, or both, depending on fault and coverage. When you notify your insurance provider, have your insurance card, policy number, and basic accident report details ready.
An insurance agent or insurance company representative may ask questions to determine fault, legal liability, and coverage. Keep answers factual and focused on what happened at the scene of the accident.
Repair Costs, Vehicles, and Rentals
Once the claim is open, the insurer will usually assess property damage and repair costs. This may include an inspection by a repair shop or a competent appraiser. Some insurance policies include an appraisal provision if there is disagreement about actual cash value versus actual cash repair estimates.
If your vehicle is not drivable, ask about roadside assistance and a rental car while the repair process is underway. If the car is totaled, payment is often based on actual cash value rather than replacement cost.
Repairs and Further Damage
During the repair process, document any further damage discovered after teardown. Ask whether aftermarket parts will be used and when the vehicle will be repaired and returned. Keep all invoices, estimates, and communications related to the repair.
You don’t have to navigate these steps alone, and you don’t need to rush decisions.
When It May Help to Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer
Speaking with a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re committing to a lawsuit. It simply gives you information about your rights and options.
You may want legal guidance if:
- You were injured or symptoms are worsening
- Fault is disputed
- A commercial vehicle was involved
- You’re feeling pressured to settle quickly
A Calm Next Step
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help restore a sense of control during a stressful time. Take things one step at a time, focus on your well-being, and remember that support is available.
If you’d like to talk through your options, the team at The Joel Bieber Firm is here to listen. There’s no pressure; just information and support, when you’re ready.
FAQs About What to Do After a Car Accident
Do I have to call the police for a minor accident?
Often yes. A report can help document what happened, even if damage seems small.
What if I didn’t take photos at the scene?
You can still photograph vehicle damage, injuries, and the location as soon as possible.
What if I already told someone I was fine?
That’s common. If symptoms appear later, seek medical care and document the change.
Should I go to urgent care the next day?
If you notice pain, dizziness, or other concerns, it’s reasonable to be evaluated.