Category: Transportation

What to Do After a Car Accident

A car accident can leave you frightened, confused, angry, or unsure what to do next. Even a minor collision can make it difficult to think clearly.

Focus on one step at a time. Check for injuries, protect everyone from additional traffic, call for help when necessary, exchange information, document what happened, and contact your insurance company.

This guide provides general information for drivers in the United States. Accident-reporting, insurance, and vehicle-removal requirements vary by state, so follow instructions from law enforcement and check the rules where the accident occurred.

Stop the Vehicle

Stop as soon as it is safe. Do not leave the scene without exchanging information or completing any reporting required by law.

After stopping:

1. Shift into park.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Turn on the hazard lights.
4. Take a breath.
5. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
6. Look for traffic, fire, leaking fuel, or other immediate hazards.

Do not get out until you have checked whether moving traffic makes it dangerous to open the door.

Check for Injuries

Ask everyone in your vehicle:

• Are you hurt?
• Are you bleeding?
• Can you move normally?
• Do you feel dizzy, confused, weak, or nauseated?
• Do you have pain in your head, neck, back, chest, or abdomen?
• Are you having difficulty breathing?

Call 911 immediately if anyone:

• Is unconscious
• Is bleeding heavily
• Has trouble breathing
• Reports serious pain
• Appears confused
• Cannot move normally
• May have a head, neck, or back injury
• Is trapped
• Has been thrown from a vehicle
• Is a pedestrian or cyclist who was struck
• Has another urgent medical concern

Do not move an injured person unless remaining in place creates an immediate danger, such as fire or moving traffic. Moving someone with a possible neck or spinal injury can make the injury worse.

Call 911 When Necessary

Call 911 when:

• Anyone may be injured
• A vehicle is blocking an active traffic lane
• The accident creates an immediate danger
• A vehicle is on fire or smoking heavily
• Fuel or another hazardous fluid is leaking
• A vehicle has rolled over
• A pedestrian or cyclist was involved
• A driver may be impaired
• Someone leaves the scene
• Someone is threatening or behaving aggressively
• A traffic signal, utility pole, guardrail, building, or other public property was damaged
• You are unsure whether emergency assistance is needed

Tell the dispatcher:

• That a car accident occurred
• The location
• The direction of travel
• The number of vehicles involved
• Whether anyone appears injured
• Whether traffic is blocked
• Whether there is fire, smoke, leaking fuel, or another hazard

Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Do Not Assume Everyone Is Uninjured

Some injuries are not immediately obvious. Adrenaline may temporarily hide pain, and symptoms may develop later.

Do not say that you are definitely uninjured if you are unsure. You can say:

I don’t notice an injury right now, but I’m still shaken up.

If you develop pain, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vision changes, numbness, unusual sleepiness, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms after leaving the scene, seek medical attention.

Decide Whether the Vehicles Should Be Moved

If the vehicles are creating a traffic hazard and can be driven safely, local law may require or allow them to be moved to a shoulder, parking lot, or nearby safe location.

Before moving:

• Check whether anyone is injured.
• Follow instructions from 911 or law enforcement.
• Take quick photographs if you can do so safely.
• Turn on the hazard lights.
• Make sure the vehicle can still steer, brake, and roll safely.
• Move only as far as necessary to leave active traffic.

Do not drive a vehicle that:

• Is leaking fuel
• Is on fire or producing heavy smoke
• Has a damaged wheel or tire that prevents safe movement
• Cannot steer or brake normally
• Has airbags or bodywork blocking visibility
• Has loose parts dragging underneath
• Is otherwise unsafe to operate

If the vehicle cannot be moved, remain protected from traffic and wait for emergency assistance.

Protect Yourself From Additional Traffic

A second collision can occur when approaching drivers do not see stopped vehicles or people standing in the road.

To reduce the risk:

• Turn on the hazard lights.
• Stay out of active traffic lanes.
• Do not stand between vehicles.
• Do not stand directly in front of or behind a damaged vehicle.
• Move passengers to a safe location when instructed.
• Stay behind a barrier if one is safely accessible.
• Keep children and pets secured.
• Follow police and emergency-worker directions.

Do not walk through highway traffic to inspect damage or speak with another driver.

Helpful Resources: Browse Visibility & Roadside Safety for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Leave the Vehicle if There Is Fire or Leaking Fuel

If you see flames, heavy smoke, sparks, or leaking fuel:

1. Turn off the engine if you can do so safely.
2. Get everyone out.
3. Move far away from the vehicle and roadway.
4. Call 911.
5. Warn others to stay away.
6. Do not return for belongings.

Do not smoke, light a flame, or use anything that could create a spark near leaking fuel.

Hybrid and electric vehicles contain high-voltage systems. Do not touch exposed cables, damaged battery components, or leaking material. Tell emergency responders what type of vehicle is involved.

Remain Calm Around the Other Driver

The other driver may be frightened, angry, confused, or injured.

Keep the conversation limited to:

• Checking whether anyone needs help
• Calling emergency services
• Moving to a safe location
• Exchanging required information
• Identifying witnesses

Avoid arguing about who caused the accident. Do not threaten, insult, or physically confront anyone.

Give an honest, factual description to police and your insurance company, but avoid guessing or agreeing to a version of events you do not understand.

You can say:

Let’s make sure everyone is safe and exchange our information.

If the other person becomes aggressive, return to your locked vehicle or move toward other people. Call 911 if you feel threatened.

Exchange Information

Exchange the information required where you live. This commonly includes:

• Full name
• Contact information
• Driver’s-license information
• Vehicle make, model, and color
• License-plate number
• Insurance-company name
• Policy information
• Vehicle owner’s name if different from the driver

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends exchanging contact, vehicle, and insurance information after a crash. NAIC consumer guidance

A simple way to collect accurate information is to photograph the other driver’s:

• Driver’s license
• Insurance card
• License plate

Ask permission before photographing documents. Make sure the images are readable.

Provide the same necessary information about yourself, but do not share unrelated personal information such as passwords, account numbers, Social Security numbers, or photographs of financial cards.

If the Other Driver Will Not Cooperate

Do not argue or attempt to physically stop the person.

Record what you safely can:

• License-plate number
• Vehicle description
• Driver description
• Direction the vehicle traveled
• Time and location
• Names of witnesses
• Photographs or video

Call the police and explain what happened.

If the other driver leaves, do not chase the vehicle. Report it as a possible hit-and-run and remain at the scene unless emergency personnel tell you otherwise.

Document the Scene

Photographs and notes may help police, insurance companies, repair shops, or attorneys understand what happened.

If it is safe, photograph:

• Damage to every vehicle
• Each vehicle’s license plate
• The positions of the vehicles
• The road and intersection
• Traffic signals and signs
• Lane markings
• Skid marks
• Broken parts or debris
• Weather and road conditions
• Damage to fences, signs, buildings, or other property
• Visible injuries, when appropriate
• Anything blocking the driver’s view

Take both close and wider photographs. Do not walk into traffic to get a better angle.

Also write down:

• Date and time
• Exact location
• Direction each vehicle was traveling
• What you remember immediately before the collision
• Weather and lighting
• Whether the road was wet, icy, or under construction
• Names and badge numbers of responding officers
• Police report or incident number
• Towing-company information

Write factual observations rather than assumptions.

Speak With Witnesses

If someone saw the accident, ask for:

• Name
• Phone number
• Email address
• A brief description of what they observed

Do not pressure the person to support your version of events. Simply ask whether they are willing to provide their contact information.

Passengers are witnesses too, but independent witnesses may be especially useful.

Cooperate With Police

Answer questions truthfully and calmly.

Tell the officer:

• What direction you were traveling
• What you saw
• What you did
• Whether anyone reported an injury
• Whether there is relevant camera footage
• Whether the other driver left
• Whether you suspect impairment or threatening behavior

Do not guess about speed, distance, or timing if you do not know. It is acceptable to say:

I’m not sure.

Ask for:

• The officer’s name and badge number
• The police report or incident number
• Instructions for obtaining the completed report
• Any additional report you must file

Police may not respond to every minor accident. If they do not, ask whether you should file a report online or at a police station.

Reporting Rules Vary by State

States have different requirements concerning:

• When police must be called
• When drivers must file an accident report
• Deadlines for filing
• Damage thresholds
• Accidents involving injury
• Accidents involving unattended vehicles
• Accidents involving public property
• Moving vehicles from traffic

Do not assume that notifying your insurance company also completes a required government report.

Check with the police department or your state motor-vehicle agency if you are unsure.

If You Hit an Unattended Vehicle

Do not leave without taking reasonable steps required by local law.

You may need to:

• Stop nearby.
• Find the owner.
• Leave a written notice with your contact and insurance information.
• Record the other vehicle’s license plate.
• Photograph the damage.
• Notify police.
• File a report.

Place any note somewhere the owner can find it without entering the vehicle. Keep a photograph of the note and where you left it.

Requirements vary, so contact local police for instructions.

If You Hit an Animal

Stop only if you can do so safely.

Call local police, animal control, or highway authorities. Do not approach an injured wild animal or frightened pet. An injured animal may bite, kick, or run into traffic.

If the animal appears to be a pet, look for the owner from a safe distance, but allow trained personnel to handle the animal when possible.

Arrange Towing Carefully

If the vehicle cannot be driven safely, it may need to be towed.

Contact:

• Your roadside-assistance provider
• Your insurance company
• A towing company
• The police-arranged towing service

Ask:

• Who authorized the tow?
• Where will the vehicle be taken?
• What will the tow cost?
• Are mileage, hookup, or storage fees included?
• Will insurance cover the tow?
• Can you choose the repair shop?
• How can you retrieve personal belongings?
• What identification will be required?

Do not sign a blank form. Read any towing or repair authorization before signing.

Remove essential belongings if you can do so safely, including:

• Identification
• Wallet
• Phone
• Keys
• Medication
• House keys
• Work equipment
• Child-safety items
• Mobility or communication equipment
• Important documents

Do not remove anything if emergency workers tell you it is unsafe.

Watch for Towing and Repair Scams

Be cautious if a tow truck appears without being requested or authorized by police.

Before accepting service:

• Confirm the company with your dispatcher or insurer.
• Ask for identification.
• Get the towing destination in writing.
• Ask about all charges.
• Do not provide unnecessary financial information.
• Do not allow yourself to be pressured.
• Avoid signing broad repair authorizations at the scene.

A towing company may be legitimate even if you did not call it, particularly when police manage the scene. Confirm with the responding officer before agreeing.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident promptly according to your policy.

Provide:

• Policy number
• Date, time, and location
• Other driver’s information
• Police report number
• Photographs
• Witness information
• Description of the damage
• Information about injuries
• Towing and storage location

The insurance representative may explain:

• Your claim number
• What coverage may apply
• Your deductible
• Inspection requirements
• Repair options
• Rental-car coverage
• Medical-payment coverage
• Towing coverage
• What documents are needed
• How communication with the other insurer will work

Keep the claim number and representative’s contact information.

Coverage depends on the policy, state law, and details of the accident. Ask questions rather than assuming a particular expense will be covered.

Be Careful With Calls From Other Companies

After an accident, you may receive calls from:

• Another driver’s insurance company
• Repair shops
• Towing companies
• Rental-car companies
• Medical providers
• Attorneys
• People pretending to represent one of these organizations

Before discussing the accident:

• Ask for the caller’s name and company.
• Request a callback number.
• Verify the company independently.
• Do not provide passwords or verification codes.
• Do not provide banking information to an unexpected caller.
• Do not click unfamiliar links.
• Contact your insurer if you are unsure how to respond.

Do not post detailed statements, photographs, or speculation about the accident on social media.

Get Medical Care When Needed

Seek immediate care for serious symptoms. For less urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional if symptoms develop or continue.

Possible delayed symptoms include:

• Headache
• Neck or back pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Memory difficulty
• Numbness or weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Unusual fatigue
• Sleep changes
• Anxiety or emotional distress

Tell the healthcare provider that you were involved in a motor-vehicle accident, when it happened, and where you were sitting.

Keep medical records, discharge instructions, prescriptions, and receipts connected to the accident.

Check Child Safety Seats

A child safety seat may need replacement after a crash, even when visible damage is not present. Replacement recommendations can depend on the crash and the seat manufacturer.

Follow:

• The car-seat manufacturer’s instructions
• Insurance-company procedures
• Current federal safety guidance
• Advice from a certified child-passenger-safety technician

Do not continue using a visibly damaged seat.

Do Not Drive an Unsafe Vehicle

A vehicle may look drivable but still have hidden damage.

Do not drive if:

• Steering or braking feels abnormal
• A tire or wheel is damaged
• Fluid is leaking
• Lights required for safe driving do not work
• Airbags or body parts block your view
• The hood, trunk, or doors will not remain secure
• Smoke, sparks, or a fuel smell is present
• Parts are dragging
• The vehicle displays a serious warning
• Police or a mechanic tells you not to drive it

Have the vehicle inspected or towed when you are unsure.

Keep an Accident File

Keep everything related to the accident together.

Save:

• Police reports
• Insurance claim information
• Photographs and videos
• Witness information
• Medical records
• Repair estimates
• Towing receipts
• Rental-car receipts
• Emails and letters
• Notes from phone calls
• Dates and names of everyone contacted

After each important call, write down what was discussed and what happens next.

Follow Up on Repairs and the Claim

Before authorizing repairs, ask for a written estimate showing:

• Parts
• Labor
• Taxes and fees
• Expected completion date
• Whether replacement parts are original, aftermarket, recycled, or repaired
• What happens if additional damage is discovered
• Warranty information

Do not authorize work you do not understand. Ask the repair shop or insurance adjuster to explain unfamiliar terms.

Inspect the vehicle when repairs are completed and keep all warranties and receipts.

Take Care of Yourself Emotionally

It is normal to feel shaken after an accident. You may replay what happened, feel nervous in a vehicle, have trouble sleeping, or become more alert around traffic.

Talk with someone you trust. If anxiety, fear, sleep problems, or distress continue or interfere with everyday life, consider speaking with a healthcare or mental-health professional.

Needing support after a frightening event is not a sign of weakness.

Prepare Before an Accident Happens

Keep these items in your vehicle or phone:

• Driver’s license
• Registration
• Current insurance information
• Emergency contacts
• Roadside-assistance information
• Phone charger
• Flashlight
• Reflective vest
• Pen and paper
• Basic first-aid kit
• Vehicle emergency supplies

Make sure you know where your hazard-light control is located. Review your insurance coverage and roadside-assistance benefits before you need them.

Final Thoughts

After a car accident, begin with safety. Stop, check for injuries, call 911 when needed, and protect everyone from moving traffic.

Once the immediate danger has passed, exchange information, document the scene, cooperate with police, arrange safe towing, and contact your insurance company. Keep records and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

You do not need to resolve responsibility, repairs, medical bills, and insurance questions at the scene. Handle the immediate safety steps first, then work through the remaining decisions one at a time.

Related Guides

• What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down
• Safe Driving Habits for Everyday Travel
• Driving Safely in Rain, Snow & Poor Weather
• Understanding Basic Road Signs & Traffic Rules
• Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights
• Basic Vehicle Maintenance & Service Appointments
• Understanding Auto Insurance
• Handling Unexpected Changes
• Solving a Problem Step by Step
• Asking for Help When You Need It
• Talking With Customer Service
• Organizing Important Personal Information
• When Is It an Emergency?
• Calling 911 & Explaining the Emergency

This guide provides general education and does not replace individualized care from a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.