The First Days After a Car Accident: Steps to Take

A car accident is stressful, and it is hard to think clearly in the first hours. This guide lists practical steps for the first days afterward. It focuses on safety, records, and getting care. It does not give legal advice about any specific claim. If you are unsure about what to do next, a lawyer or your insurer can help you decide.

Start with safety

If you can do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic and onto a shoulder or nearby space. Turn on hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before you do anything else. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call emergency services right away and say where you are and what happened.

Stay near the scene unless it is unsafe to do so. Leaving the scene of an accident can create serious problems, so wait for police or emergency responders to arrive.

Call the police

In many places, police respond to accidents with injuries, significant damage, or a dispute between drivers. Even when police do not come to the scene, you can often ask for a report. Ask the officer for the report number and the name of the agency. If you cannot get a report at the scene, find out how to request one later.

Tell the officer what happened in plain terms. Stick to facts you know, such as what you saw and where the vehicles ended up. Do not guess about speed or distances, and do not sign anything you do not understand.

Exchange information

Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance company and policy number. Note the make, model, and color of each vehicle. If there were passengers or witnesses, get their names and contact details too. Take a photo of the other driver's insurance card or document if they agree.

Be polite, but limit the conversation to exchanging information. Avoid discussing who was at fault in detail.

Document the scene

Photos are one of the most useful records you can make. Take pictures of the vehicles from several angles, the license plates, the damage, the road, traffic signs, skid marks, and the weather or lighting conditions. If there are injuries or hazards, photograph those too. Save the photos with their original date and time information.

Write down what you remember while it is fresh. Include the time, the location, the direction each vehicle was traveling, and anything the other driver said. Notes made the same day are often more reliable than memories recalled weeks later.

Get medical care

Get checked by a medical professional, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. If you have severe pain, numbness, headache, dizziness, or trouble breathing, seek emergency care immediately.

Follow the treatment plan your provider gives you. Keep appointments, and tell each provider about the accident so the record is complete.

Keep records

Create a folder, paper or digital, for everything related to the accident. Include the police report, photos, notes, medical records, bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, rental car receipts, and any letters from insurers. Keep track of mileage or days missed from work if the accident affects your routine.

Record each phone call with an insurance company, including the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and what was discussed. A simple log is enough. If you have ongoing pain or limits on daily activities, a short daily note can help. Write down what hurts, what you could not do, and any appointments you missed, and keep the notes with your other records.

Be careful with social media

Insurance companies and the other side may look at public posts. Before you post about the accident, your injuries, or your activities, think about how the post might be read later. Many people choose to stop posting about the accident until the situation is resolved.

Notify your insurer

Your own auto insurance company usually needs to know about an accident in a timely way. Report the facts you know, and do not guess about details. If you are not sure what your policy covers, ask your insurer to explain it in writing.

Know where to get help

If the accident raises questions about injuries, fault, or insurance, a lawyer can explain your options. The USAGov courts page describes the federal, state, county, and municipal courts, and the USAGov legal aid page lists free and low-cost legal help. The Legal Services Corporation funds civil legal aid for people with low incomes.

Frequently asked questions

What if I feel fine after the accident?

Still get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries appear later, and a record made soon after the crash is helpful.

Should I move my car after a crash?

If it is safe and the vehicle is blocking traffic, move it out of the way when possible. Keep the scene photos before you move anything if you can.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

Get as much information as you can, including the driver's name, license, and plate number. Call the police and ask for a report. Your own insurer may explain options that your policy includes.

How long should I keep the records?

Keep them until any claim, medical treatment, and insurance matter is fully resolved, and ask a lawyer how long to keep them if you are unsure.

Related: Browse guides on legal topics and car accident lawyers.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.