What to Do After a Vehicle Accident: A Practical Checklist

What to do immediately after the crash

• If you can do so safely, move to a safe location and turn on hazard lights.
• Check yourself and others for injuries. Call emergency services if there are injuries or the road is blocked.
• Call the police if there are injuries, significant damage, or a dispute about what happened.
• Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be read as liability.

Safety and reporting

• If anyone is hurt, call for help right away and follow the operator's instructions.
• If the scene is safe, exchange basic information with the other driver(s): names, contact information, license plate, vehicle make/model, and insurance details.
• Note the exact location, time, weather, and road conditions. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information.

Information to collect

• Names and contact details for all drivers and passengers.
• Insurance company, policy numbers, and vehicle registration details.
• Photos or videos of all vehicles, damage, injuries, traffic signs, and the overall scene.
• Any police report or incident number issued at the scene.

Document the scene

Photos to take

• Wide shot of the overall crash site and traffic flow.
• Close-ups of vehicle damage from multiple angles.
• License plates, registration, and insurance documents.
• Any skid marks, weather-related conditions, or road hazards.

Notes to record

• Time of day, lighting, and visibility.
• Exact street address or GPS location if possible.
• Sequence of events as you remember them, including who said what at the scene.

After the scene

Insurance and claims

• Contact your insurance company as soon as practicable and start a claim. Have your policy number and incident details handy.
• Provide a factual account of what happened without admitting fault.
• Keep receipts for any towing, rentals, or related expenses and document any medical visits or treatment.

When to seek medical care

• Even if you feel fine after the crash, consider a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately obvious.
• If new symptoms appear later, seek medical attention promptly.

Preventing further danger

• If you must stay at the scene, stay out of traffic and use reflective markers or hazard signals if safe to do so.
• If you are at fault, cooperate with authorities and follow your insurer’s guidance on next steps.