Personal Injury · Haute Lawyer Network
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Last reviewed: May 2026
The steps you take in the minutes and hours after a car accident have a direct impact on your safety, your insurance claim, and any legal action you may pursue.
At the Scene
Check for injuries first. Call 911 immediately if there are any injuries, if vehicles are blocking traffic, or if the damage appears significant.
Move to safety if possible. If the vehicles are drivable and the accident is minor, move them to the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights.
Call the police. Even for minor accidents, a police report creates an official record of what happened. Do not skip this step.
Document the scene. Take photographs of all vehicles from multiple angles, the point of impact, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Photograph the other driver's license, registration, and insurance card.
Collect information. Get the full name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance information from every driver involved. Collect names and contact information from witnesses.
Do not discuss fault. Do not apologize, admit fault, or make statements about what happened to the other driver or witnesses. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
In the Hours After
Seek medical attention promptly. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries — whiplash, concussions, internal injuries — do not present symptoms immediately.
Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your own insurance promptly. Be factual and avoid speculating about fault before you have a complete medical evaluation.
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance. You are not legally required to give one, and doing so before you fully understand your injuries can damage your claim.
Keep records of everything. Save all medical bills, out-of-pocket receipts, records of missed work, and any documentation of the accident's impact.
When to Contact an Attorney
Contact a personal injury attorney if you sustained any injury requiring medical treatment, if liability is disputed, if the insurance company offers a settlement, or if the accident involved significant property damage. Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency — they only get paid if you recover compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call the police for a minor fender bender?
Yes, whenever possible. Even in minor accidents, a police report documents what happened and protects you if the other driver later claims injuries or disputes the facts.
What if the other driver wants to handle it without insurance?
Be cautious. Agreeing to handle an accident without insurance eliminates your protections. The other driver could later claim injuries, promises to pay may not materialize, and without a police report establishing the facts becomes difficult.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Most states have a statute of limitations of 2-3 years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline generally bars you from filing suit. Consult an attorney well before the deadline.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Rarely. Initial offers are typically low and made before the full extent of your injuries is known. Consult an attorney before accepting any settlement.
What if I was partially at fault?
In most states you can still recover compensation even if partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Rules vary significantly by state.
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