At the scene
- 1. Check for injuries and call 911. Get medical help for anyone who needs it and ask for police to attend.
- 2. Move to safety if you can. Turn on hazard lights and stay out of traffic.
- 3. Exchange information: names, phone numbers, driver's licences, plates, insurers and policy numbers.
- 4. Document everything. Photograph the vehicles, damage, road, signs, skid marks and your injuries. Get witness names and numbers.
- 5. Don't admit fault or guess about what happened. Stick to facts with police and the other driver.
In the first 72 hours
- 6. See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline hides injuries such as whiplash and concussions, and a gap in treatment is one of the first things insurers use to reduce claims.
- 7. Get the police report number and request a copy when it is ready.
- 8. Report the accident to your own insurer as your policy requires — keep it factual and brief.
Before you deal with the other driver's insurer
- 9. Don't give a recorded statement or sign a release until you understand your claim. Early offers rarely account for future treatment.
- 10. Get a free case review. An attorney can tell you what your claim may be worth and which deadlines apply in your state.
Keep a simple claim file
Use one folder or phone album for: photos, the police report, medical records and bills, receipts, letters from insurers, and a short daily note of your pain and the activities you couldn't do. That record is often the difference between a fair offer and a lowball one.
Frequently asked questions
Should I go to the doctor after a minor car accident?
Yes. Many injuries appear hours or days later, and prompt treatment protects both your health and your claim.
Should I call the police after a minor accident?
In many states you must report crashes involving injuries or damage over a set amount. A police report is also valuable evidence, so calling is usually wise.
When should I contact a lawyer after a car accident?
As soon as you know you were injured — ideally before talking to the other driver's insurer. A free review costs nothing.