What to Do After a Car Accident | Step-by-Step Guide

If you just had a car accident, the next 48 hours determine how much compensation you can get. What you do at the scene, what you say to the insurance company, and how fast you see a doctor all affect your case. Follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911

Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 even if the accident seems minor. The police report is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in your claim — without it, the insurance company can dispute what happened.

In most states, you're required by law to report accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage over $500–$1,000 (varies by state).

Step 2: Move to Safety (If You Can)

If your car is drivable and you're blocking traffic, move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. If you can't move the car, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives — standing on the road is dangerous.

Step 3: Exchange Information

Get the following from every driver involved:

• Full name and phone number
• Driver's license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• License plate number
• Car make, model, and color

Don't discuss fault. Don't say "I'm sorry" — even a polite apology can be used as an admission of fault later.

Step 4: Document the Scene

Take photos and video of:

• Damage to all vehicles (close-up and wide shots)
• Skid marks, debris, broken glass
• Traffic signs, signals, and road conditions
• Your visible injuries (cuts, bruises, swelling)
• The other driver's license plate and insurance card
• The intersection or road where it happened

The more photos, the better. You can't go back and take them later.

Step 5: Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Witness statements can make or break a disputed liability case. Don't pressure anyone — just ask politely.

Step 6: See a Doctor Within 48 Hours

This is where most people make a critical mistake. You feel "okay" after the accident, so you skip the doctor. Then symptoms appear 3-7 days later — neck pain, back stiffness, headaches, dizziness.

By then, the insurance company argues your injuries aren't from the accident. See a doctor within 24-48 hours, even if you feel fine. Common delayed injuries:

Tell the doctor this is from a car accident. That documentation links your injuries to the crash.

Step 7: Report the Accident to Your Insurance

You're generally required to notify your own insurance company about the accident. Stick to the basics: date, time, location, other driver's info. Don't speculate about fault and don't downplay your injuries.

You can claim compensation regardless of immigration status. Your insurer evaluates the crash and the policy, not your documentation.

Step 8: Don't Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance

The other driver's insurance company will call you — sometimes within hours. They sound friendly. They want a "recorded statement." Don't give one. Everything you say is being evaluated to reduce your payout.

Common traps:

• "How are you feeling today?" → If you say "fine," they'll use it to argue you're not hurt
• "Can you describe what happened?" → They're looking for anything they can twist into partial fault
• "We'd like to offer you a quick settlement" → The first offer is almost always 30-50% below the case value

Let a lawyer handle this conversation.

Step 9: Keep All Records

Start a file from day one:

• Medical bills and records
• Pharmacy receipts
• Physical therapy appointments
• Proof of missed work (pay stubs, employer letter)
• Uber/Lyft receipts for rides to appointments
• A brief daily pain journal (1-2 sentences about how you feel)

This paper trail becomes the foundation of your settlement claim.

Step 10: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Most accident lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront and they take a percentage (typically 33%) only if they win. If they don't win, you owe nothing.

When to call a lawyer:

• You went to the ER or urgent care
• You missed work because of your injuries
• The other driver's insurance is calling you
• Liability is disputed (the other driver says it's your fault)
• Multiple vehicles were involved

Common Mistakes by Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report after a car accident?

Yes. The police report documents the scene, lists the drivers, and often includes the officer's opinion on fault. Without it, the insurance company can dispute the details. If the police don't come to the scene, file a report at your local station within 24-72 hours.

Should I go to the ER or my regular doctor?

Go to the ER if you have severe pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or visible injuries. For less urgent symptoms, see your primary doctor or an urgent care within 48 hours. Either way, tell them the visit is related to a car accident.

How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?

The statute of limitations varies by state: 2 years in most states (California, Texas, Arizona), 3 years in New York, and as short as 1 year in Tennessee and Kentucky. But don't wait — evidence deteriorates and witnesses forget. Contact a lawyer within the first week.

What if the accident was partly my fault?

You can still claim compensation in most states. In pure comparative fault states (California, New York, Arizona), you recover even at 90% fault (minus your percentage). In modified comparative states (Texas, Illinois), you recover only if your fault is under 51%. Read more about rear-end collision fault rules.

Take our free evaluation to find out how much your case could be worth.

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Updated June 2026. Sources: NHTSA crash data; Insurance Information Institute; state traffic codes. This is not legal advice and does not guarantee specific results. Consult a licensed attorney in your state.