Getting into an automobile accident can be traumatizing. Even if you do not suffer any serious injuries and there is very little damage to your car, you will need to check for yourself and others for injuries, document the accident, contact the police and insurance, and exchange information with the other driver.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident, even a minor fender bender, you may feel enraged, confused, or even scared. The main thing is to stay calm and take the steps below to process the incident and the accompanying aftermath.
Car Accident Statistics
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 39,254 motor vehicle crash deaths in the United States in 2024 - the most recent year with final data available. Motor vehicle crashes and fatalities depend on the state's population and other factors like weather, speed, motor vehicle type, and topography. Many of these accidents are due to distracted drivers, impairment due to alcohol and drugs, and inexperienced drivers.
The Top 10 Steps to Take After an Accident Happens
Even a minor accident can cause severe injuries and serious damage to your vehicle. It's important to know exactly what steps to take right after a car accident and get the help you need. There are laws you need to comply with whether or not the accident was your fault. Also, if you need any assistance from your insurance provider, you will need to take steps there as well.
- Check for injuries. Check yourself and everyone else in your car and the other vehicle for injuries. Some injuries may not be transparent right away. If you need help, call 911 to get medical treatment as quickly as possible. Don't assume you are fine; it's best to have medical professionals check you out just to be sure.
- Stay at the scene. Do not leave the scene of the accident. Leave everything as it is and secure the accident scene. Turn on your hazard lights, and if you have flares or other objects, place them around the scene, so other cars and passersby stay clear. Move yourself and others involved to a safe area out of the road to wait for emergency personnel.
- Document everything. Take as many photos as possible and use GoodCar's vehicle accident check tool if you need to verify the other vehicle's accident or title history. Make personal notes about what happened and when. Some handy cell phone apps can help you document the entire accident, store notes and photos, and other information.
- Call the local police. They need to fill out an accident report and take pictures of the scene.
- Wait for the police to arrive. You can also call family for a ride home or a tow truck to move your car once the police are done.
- Get witness information. Ask nearby witnesses for their contact information should you need it later. Police will want to interview them as well.
- Give your account to police. Talk to the police and the other driver and recount your memory of how things occurred. If you are unsure of specific details, say that. The officer will create a car accident police report to file with their precinct. Jot down the officer's name and badge number. Be sure to get a copy of the police report to give to your insurance carrier. The police may need you to visit the police station if they need further information later.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get the name of their auto insurance company, their phone number, driver's license number, license plate number, and any other insurance information. You can also provide your own insurance information and your policy number to them. Some states are "no-fault" states, and your insurance provider will need to pay for any repairs. Other states require the "at-fault" person's insurance carrier to pay - for example, in a rear-end collision, fault usually falls on the trailing driver, but there are exceptions worth understanding. The police can help determine who was at fault if the facts are in question. Once you decide who is at fault and what the laws are in your state, it will make the insurance process quicker and easier.
- Contact your insurance company. Report the accident, file an accident claim, and schedule their insurance adjuster to assess the damage. This needs to be done quickly to get your insurance claim moving. Review your policy and determine if it covers medical expenses or other therapies - this depends heavily on whether you carry full coverage car insurance or liability-only. Sometimes insurance coverage will pay for a tow truck or taxi home after a serious car accident.
- Arrange a rental car. Use a rental car until yours is fully repaired - this may take a few days or even weeks. (If you're in an accident while driving a rental, the steps differ slightly - see what to do after a rental car accident.) If your vehicle is declared totaled by the insurance company, it will likely be issued a salvage or rebuilt title, and you may need to go car shopping and sell your current one. You will also need to schedule an appointment with a local repair shop to get your car fixed.
What to Do After a Car Accident Legally
Beyond the practical steps, there are a few legal points worth understanding before you talk to anyone at the scene or file a claim.
Don't admit fault. Even a casual "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" at the scene can be used later to argue you accepted responsibility. Stick to exchanging information and describing what happened factually - let the police report and insurance investigation determine fault.
Know your state's reporting threshold. Most states require you to report an accident to police or the DMV if it involves injury, death, or property damage above a set dollar amount (often $500–$1,000, depending on the state). Failing to report when required can result in fines or a suspended license.
Statute of limitations. Each state sets a deadline for filing a personal injury or property damage claim after an accident - typically two to three years, but it varies. If you're unsure whether you're within your state's window, an attorney can confirm quickly.
Watch what you say to the adjuster. Insurance adjusters - including your own - are trained to minimize payouts. Stick to the facts (when, where, what happened) and avoid speculating about injuries or fault before you've had a full medical evaluation.
Things to Do After Leaving the Scene of an Accident
After a car crash, once you're home, there are a few things you might want to do.
- Some people ask, "Should I call other car insurance companies?" If you have auto insurance with a company you trust, let them handle the claims process. Do not call the other driver's insurance company yourself or get involved. Your auto insurance carrier will have trained professionals who can handle all that for you. You may have to pay your full insurance deductible before you receive any claim benefits.
- If you have a difficult time getting help from your insurance company or they deny your claim, it may be time to shop for a new automobile insurance provider. You can check online reviews to find a good one. Typically, after an accident, insurance rates will go up considerably. Even if you are a good driver, you may be penalized. Some insurance carriers offer a one-time no-fault pass and won't increase your rates. Find out what your policy covers, especially if there is any property damage.
- Get the medical help you need and keep all your bills. If your insurance company or the other driver's carrier does pay for those types of expenses, you will need documentation.
- If your injuries leave you with long-term therapies or unexpected expenses, you might want to consider contacting a law firm and hiring a personal injury attorney and taking legal action against the other motorist, if you were not at fault. It's also worth pulling a vehicle history report on the other driver's vehicle - it can reveal prior accidents or patterns that support your case.
FAQ
Do I have to call the police for a minor accident?
It depends on your state and how much damage occurred. Most states require a police report if there's injury, death, or property damage above a set dollar threshold. When in doubt, call - having an official report protects you either way.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Exchange information anyway and file a report with the police. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim through your own insurer to cover damages.
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?
This depends on your state's statute of limitations, which typically ranges from two to three years for personal injury or property damage claims. Check your state's specific deadline, since some vary significantly.
Will my insurance rates go up if the accident wasn't my fault?
In many cases, no - but it depends on your insurer and whether your state is a no-fault state. Some carriers offer accident forgiveness for a first at-fault incident, but a not-at-fault accident is less likely to affect your rate. Check your policy for specifics.
