At the Scene: The First 15 Minutes
The moments after an accident are disorienting. This checklist keeps you focused on what matters:
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Check yourself and your passengers first. If anyone is injured -- even if the injury seems minor -- call 911. Do not move anyone who might have a spinal injury. If the accident is blocking traffic and everyone can move safely, pull vehicles to the shoulder.
2. Call the Police
Even for minor accidents, request a police report. Officers document the scene, record witness statements, and note traffic violations that establish fault. This report becomes critical evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings. In many states, failing to report an accident above a certain damage threshold is a misdemeanor.
3. Do Not Admit Fault
Do not say "I'm sorry" or "it was my fault" at the scene. In many states, these statements can be used against you. You may not have a complete picture of what caused the accident. The other driver may have been texting, running a light, or impaired. Stick to factual statements: "I was heading north on Main Street" rather than "I should have been paying more attention."
4. Exchange Information
Collect from the other driver: full name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, driver's license number, license plate number, and vehicle make/model/year. Get names and phone numbers of all passengers and any witnesses. If the other driver refuses to share information, note their plate number and let the police handle it.
5. Document Everything
Your phone is your most important tool at the scene. Photograph:
- All vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The overall accident scene showing positions of vehicles
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signals, signs, and road layout
- Any visible injuries
- The other driver's license plate and insurance card
- Weather and lighting conditions
The First 24 Hours
See a Doctor
This is the most frequently skipped step and the one that costs accident victims the most. Adrenaline and shock mask pain for hours or even days. Whiplash, concussions, herniated discs, and internal injuries commonly have delayed symptom onset.
Visit an emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care physician within 24 hours. Tell them you were in a car accident and describe any symptoms, even minor ones. The medical record from this visit establishes a direct link between the accident and your injuries -- a link that becomes harder to prove with each day you delay.
Insurance companies routinely use treatment gaps against claimants. A two-week gap between the accident and your first medical visit gives them ammunition to argue the accident did not cause your injury. Related: How treatment gaps affect your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your own insurer promptly. This is a requirement under most policies and protects your coverage. Provide facts only -- do not speculate about fault or the extent of your injuries.
Write Down Everything You Remember
While details are fresh, write down exactly what happened: the sequence of events, what you saw, what the other driver said, and how you felt. Memory degrades quickly. This written account becomes valuable if the case takes months to resolve.
The First Week
- Follow all medical treatment: Attend every appointment. Follow through on referrals to specialists. Skipping appointments undermines your credibility and your claim. Claiming medical costs.
- Start a symptom diary: Daily notes on your pain levels, what activities are limited, sleep disruption, and emotional impact. This becomes evidence of suffering that is otherwise hard to quantify. Understanding pain and suffering claims.
- Request the police report: Usually available within 3-10 business days from the local police department.
- Document lost wages: If you miss work, get written confirmation from your employer of the dates missed and your regular pay rate.
- Consult a personal injury attorney: Most offer free initial consultations. If your injuries are anything beyond completely minor, legal advice is worth getting. What to expect from a free consultation.
What NOT to Do
- Do not post on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys actively monitor your social media for posts that contradict your injury claims. A photo of you at a barbecue can be used to argue your injuries are not as serious as claimed.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without consulting an attorney first. Their adjuster is trained to get you to say things that reduce your claim value.
- Do not accept a quick settlement offer. Early offers are almost always below the true value of your claim. You may not know the full extent of your injuries for weeks or months. What factors determine settlement value.
- Do not sign any medical authorization releases from the other driver's insurer. These can give them access to your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident.
Statute of Limitations: Do Not Wait Too Long
Every state has a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most states, this is 2-3 years from the date of the accident, but some states have shorter deadlines. Missing the deadline means losing your right to sue entirely, regardless of how strong your case is. Check your state's deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call the police after a minor car accident?
Yes. A police report creates an official record that is critical for insurance claims. In many states, you are legally required to report accidents above a certain damage threshold.
When should I see a doctor after a car accident?
Within 24-72 hours, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and delayed treatment gives insurance companies an argument that the accident did not cause your injury.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Be cautious. You are not required to give a recorded statement. Consult an attorney before engaging with the opposing insurer.
Find a Personal Injury Attorney Near You
InjuryClaimSource is an educational resource. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Consult a qualified personal injury attorney for advice about your specific situation.