Here's something nobody expects: even the most careful drivers will likely be in at least one car accident during their lifetime. In 2024, over a quarter of collision claims were deemed total losses, and claim costs continue to rise—with the average third-party bodily injury claim now costing $27,373. But here's the good news: knowing exactly what to do in those chaotic first minutes after an accident can protect both your safety and your financial well-being.
Whether it's a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, how you handle the immediate aftermath matters. You need to think about safety first, document everything properly, protect your legal rights, and navigate the insurance claims process. This guide walks you through every step, from the moment of impact to filing your claim and getting your life back to normal.
First Priority: Safety and Medical Attention
Before anything else, assess whether anyone is injured. Check yourself first, then your passengers, and if another vehicle is involved, check on the other driver and their passengers. If anyone is hurt—even slightly—call 911 immediately. Don't try to move injured people unless there's an immediate danger like fire or oncoming traffic.
If everyone is okay and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers and help emergency crews locate you. If you can't move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially if you're on a busy highway.
Even if you feel perfectly fine, consider seeking medical attention within 24 hours. Adrenaline can mask injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries that don't show symptoms immediately. Getting checked out creates a medical record that can be crucial if symptoms develop later—and it protects your insurance claim.
Call the Police and Get an Official Report
Always call the police, even if the accident seems minor. Many states legally require you to report accidents involving injuries or property damage above a certain threshold—often as low as $750. But beyond the legal requirement, a police report is an impartial, third-party account of what happened, and insurance companies rely heavily on these reports when determining fault.
When the officer arrives, stick to the facts. Describe what you saw and experienced, but don't speculate about what the other driver was thinking or doing. And here's the critical part: never admit fault or apologize, even if you think you might be responsible. Legal liability is determined later during the insurance investigation, not at the accident scene. A simple "I'm sorry" can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt.
Get the officer's name, badge number, and the police report number. You'll need this information when you file your insurance claim. In most cases, you can request a copy of the full report from the police department within a few days.
Exchange Information and Document Everything
While you're waiting for the police, exchange information with the other driver. You need their full name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company name, and policy number. Also note their vehicle's make, model, and color. If there are passengers in either vehicle, get their names and contact information too.
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information. An independent witness account can be invaluable if there's a dispute about what happened. Most people are willing to help—just explain that their statement might be needed for the insurance claim.
Now comes the part that will make or break your insurance claim: documentation. Use your phone to take extensive photos and videos. Photograph all vehicle damage from multiple angles—close-ups and wide shots. Capture the entire accident scene, including street signs, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and the position of the vehicles. Take photos of the other vehicle's license plate and any visible damage. If you have injuries, photograph those too.
Before leaving the scene, write down your own account of what happened while the details are fresh. Note the time, date, weather conditions, road conditions, traffic patterns, and exactly what you remember about the sequence of events. This personal record will help when you're talking to your insurance company days or weeks later.
Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
Here's something that trips people up: you need to notify your insurance company about the accident regardless of who's at fault. Most insurance policies require you to report accidents within 24 to 48 hours, and most insurers require formal claims within 30 to 60 days. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your coverage.
When you call, have your policy number, driver's license, the police report number, the other driver's information, and your photos ready. Your insurer will likely ask for a detailed statement about what happened. Be honest and thorough, but again, stick to the facts—don't speculate or admit fault.
Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to investigate the accident. They'll review the police report, examine the damage, possibly interview witnesses, and determine liability. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the accident.
Understanding your coverage is crucial here. Liability coverage pays for damages you cause to others—their vehicle repairs, medical bills, and related expenses. Collision coverage handles damage to your own vehicle regardless of fault. If the other driver was at fault and has insurance, their liability coverage should pay for your damages, but you can also file through your own collision coverage and let the insurance companies sort out reimbursement later.
Getting Your Vehicle Repaired
Your insurance company might recommend specific repair shops, but you have the right to choose your own. The amount your insurer pays under your policy remains the same regardless of which shop you use. If you have a trusted mechanic or prefer a particular body shop, use them.
The adjuster will inspect your vehicle and provide a repair estimate. Get your own estimate too if possible. In 2024, average repair costs increased by 3.7%, and with 27% of collision claims resulting in total losses, there's a real possibility your vehicle might be declared totaled if repair costs exceed its value.
If your car is totaled, the insurance company will pay you its actual cash value—what the vehicle was worth immediately before the accident, not what you paid for it. This can be frustrating if you still owe money on a car loan, which is why gap insurance exists to cover that difference.
What Happens Next and How to Protect Yourself
After an accident, especially if you weren't at fault, the other driver's insurance company might contact you directly. Be cautious. They may try to get you to provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement. You're not obligated to speak with them, and it's often better to let your own insurance company handle communications.
Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident: all photos and videos, medical bills and records, repair estimates and receipts, rental car expenses, time missed from work, and all correspondence with insurance companies. If injuries are involved or the claim becomes complicated, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. Most offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement.
Know your state's statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Most states give you 2 to 3 years after the accident, but this varies. Even if you don't think you'll sue, knowing this deadline protects your options if complications arise later.
Car accidents are stressful and overwhelming, but following these steps helps you stay in control. Remember: safety first, document everything, notify your insurer promptly, and don't rush through the claims process. And if you're shopping for car insurance or reviewing your current coverage, now's a good time to make sure you have adequate protection. Compare quotes to find coverage that gives you peace of mind on the road. Because the best way to handle an accident is to be prepared before it happens.
