What to do after a car accident

General information only, not legal or medical advice. Laws on reporting and insurance vary by state.

At the scene

1. Get safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Turn on hazard lights.
2. Check for injuries and accept medical evaluation; some injuries are not obvious right away.
3. Call the police and ask how to get a copy of the report. Many states require reporting crashes with injuries or significant damage.
4. Exchange information: names, phone numbers, driver's license, plate, insurer and policy number.
5. Document everything: photos of all vehicles, plates, the road, signs, weather, and visible injuries; names and numbers of witnesses.
6. Be careful what you say. Stick to facts; avoid guessing about fault.

In the following days

7. See a doctor and keep every record, bill and receipt.
8. Notify your insurer promptly as your policy requires.
9. Keep a file: claim numbers, correspondence, missed work, repair estimates, a short daily note on symptoms.
10. Think before giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer or signing a release (see adjusters).
11. Know your deadline. Check your state's statute of limitations; claims against government entities can have much shorter notice deadlines.
12. Consider talking to a licensed attorney, especially if you were injured, fault is disputed, or an insurer is pressing you to settle (see how to choose).