At the Scene (First 30 Minutes)
1. Check for injuries. Your safety and the safety of passengers comes first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Move to safety. If the vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder or a parking lot. Turn on hazard lights.
3. Call the police. Even for minor accidents, a police report creates an official record that strengthens your insurance claim. Some states require a police report for any accident involving injury or damage above a certain threshold.
4. Exchange information. Get the other driver's full name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and license plate. Give them yours.
5. Document everything. This is the step that determines how much money you'll recover:
- Photograph damage to all vehicles from multiple angles
- Photograph the accident scene (road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks)
- Take a video walkthrough while narrating what happened
- Get names and contact information from any witnesses
- Screenshot the location on your phone's map
6. Don't admit fault or apologize. Even saying "I'm sorry" can be interpreted as an admission. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and the police.
Within 24 Hours
7. Call your insurance company — even if the accident wasn't your fault. Your insurer needs to know about the incident. You can file online or through most major insurer apps (State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate all have app-based filing). Get a claim number and write it down.
8. See a doctor — even if you feel fine. Some injuries (whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage) don't show symptoms for 24–72 hours. A medical record from right after the accident creates documentation that links any injuries to the collision. Without it, the insurance company can argue your injury happened later.
9. Start a claim file. Create a folder (physical or digital) with the police report, photos, medical records, repair estimates, and all correspondence with insurance companies. Organization is your biggest advantage in getting a fair settlement.
What NOT to Do
- Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance without consulting your own insurer first. Their adjuster is looking for reasons to reduce your claim.
- Don't accept the first settlement offer without reviewing it. Get independent repair estimates if the offer seems low.
- Don't post about the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters check social media. A post showing you at a party the day after claiming a back injury can torpedo your claim.
- Don't get your car repaired before the adjuster inspects it (unless it's undrivable and you need emergency repairs).