What to Do After a Car Accident
Last reviewed June 2026
Quick answer. After a crash: get medical care, report it to police, document the scene, exchange information, avoid recorded statements to the other insurer, and talk to an attorney before deadlines pass.
What you do in the hours and days after a crash shapes both your recovery and your claim.
- Check for injuries and get help. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if the vehicles are drivable and it is safe.
- Call the police. An official report creates a record that supports your claim.
- Document everything. Photograph vehicles, the scene, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Exchange information. Names, contacts, insurance, plate numbers, and witness details.
- Get checked by a doctor. Some injuries surface days later, and records tie them to the crash.
- Be careful with insurers. Do not give a recorded statement to the other side before you understand your rights.
- Talk to an attorney before deadlines run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do First After a Car Accident?
Check for injuries and get medical help, move to safety if you can, call the police, and document the scene with photos before vehicles are moved.
Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurer?
Be cautious. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other insurer, and doing so before you understand your rights can hurt your claim.
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