What to do after a car accident: a step-by-step checklist

At the scene

The first minutes after a crash are confusing, so it helps to know the order of things before you need it. Safety comes first: if you can move your car, get it out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Then call 911, even if the crash seems minor, so police and help can come.

While you wait, and only if it is safe, start collecting what you will need later. Memories fade and cars get repaired, but photos and names last.

• Photograph every vehicle, the damage, the plates, the road, signs, signals and the weather, from several angles.
• Write down each driver's name, phone, license number, plate, insurer and policy number.
• Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
• Ask the officer for the police report number and how to get a copy.

What to say, and what not to say

Be polite and stick to the facts. Tell the officer what happened in plain words. Do not argue about who caused the crash, and do not guess about things you are not sure of, such as speeds or distances.

Saying "I'm sorry" is a natural reaction, but it can be read as admitting fault. It is enough to check that everyone is all right and exchange details.

In the days after

Report the accident to your own insurer promptly, as your policy asks, and write down the claim number. Your policy may require notice within a set time, so read it.

The other driver's insurer may call you soon, sometimes the next day. You can give basic facts, but you do not have to give a recorded statement right away, and you do not have to accept the first offer. Many people speak with a lawyer before they do either.

Keep a file

A simple folder, paper or digital, makes any claim easier. Put everything about the crash in one place, and add to it as you go.

• The police report and your claim numbers.
• Photos and videos from the scene and of the damage.
• Repair estimates, towing and rental car bills, and receipts for anything you paid.
• Records of time you missed from work.
• Every letter, email and text from the insurers, with notes of each phone call.

Check the deadline

Every state limits how long you have to bring an accident claim. In most states it is two to three years, some allow less, and claims against a government agency often need written notice within months. Once the deadline passes, you can lose the right to be paid at all.

The state guides list the deadlines in Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and New York, with the law each comes from.

Mistakes to avoid

A few common mistakes make claims harder than they need to be. None of them is hard to avoid once you know about them.

• Leaving the scene without the other driver's details or a police report.
• Posting about the crash on social media; insurers can read it.
• Signing a release or a check marked "final" before you know what your claim is worth.
• Repairing or getting rid of your car before it has been photographed.
• Waiting until the deadline is close to act.

When to get help

If fault is disputed, the insurer stops answering, the offer seems low, or a truck, rideshare or government vehicle was involved, it may be worth talking to a lawyer. Accident lawyers usually work on contingency, which means no fee unless they win; case costs may apply.

A free CaseHelp case check takes a few minutes. We call to go over what happened and, if you have a claim, introduce you to an independent partner law firm.

Accident guides

• Car accident claims: what to do and who pays
• Rideshare accident claims: what to do, who pays
• Motorcycle accident claims: steps and who pays

Frequently asked questions