What To Do After A Car Accident: Checklist (May 2025)

How to Prepare for a Car Accident

No one gets behind the wheel expecting to be in an accident. However, there are a few key steps you can take to make sure you’re ready if one occurs.

Have Your License, Registration, and Insurance Card On Hand

In the event of an accident, you’ll need to share your insurance information and contact information with the other involved driver. Having this information close at hand can simplify the process.

Keep a Car Accident Checklist in the Car

It can be difficult to think clearly In the immediate aftermath of an accident. When you have a “what to do after a car accident” checklist with you, you won’t have to worry about remembering what steps to take.

Stash a Safety Kit in Your Vehicle

A safety kit can come in handy if you suffer injuries or you need to increase your visibility to warn other drivers. Your kit should include these items:

• Reflective triangles and/or road flares
• Seat belt cutter
• Glass breaker
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Bottled water
• Basic tool kit
• Blanket

Many retailers sell ready-made vehicle emergency kits, but if you prefer, you can select individual items and assemble your own.

What to Do at the Scene

If you’re wondering which of the following should be done after an accident, the answer is all of the above. Here’s what to do while you’re still at the accident scene:

Don’t Leave the Scene

Whatever you do, don’t panic and run. In most jurisdictions, fleeing the scene of an accident - even if there’s no visible damage - is a crime.

Get to a Safe Location and Check for Injuries

If possible, move to the side of the road or to a grassy median where you’ll be safe from further harm. Check to see if you or anyone else involved in the accident has been hurt.

Call 911

Calling 911 will summon police and emergency medical personnel. The police will file an official accident report, which will be a critical part of a car accident lawsuit later on.

Emergency medical personnel can evaluate you for injuries. This is important because the adrenaline rush from the accident could mask symptoms of potential injuries. If you don’t seek immediate medical care and you file a lawsuit, the defendant could argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.

Document the Scene

If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including close-up shots of the damage to both vehicles and the surrounding area. You should also ask for the contact information of anyone who might have witnessed the crash.

Exchange Contact Information

Be prepared to exchange the following information with the other driver:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company name
• Insurance policy number

If you have your phone with you, it may be simpler to photograph the other driver’s license and insurance card.

Don’t Admit Fault or Sign Anything

Avoid saying anything that implies you may have contributed to the accident, even if you think you might have been at fault. Insurance companies are infamous for twisting claimants’ words to deny coverage. You shouldn’t talk to any insurers or sign anything before consulting a car accident lawyer. Even if you have insurance, saying the wrong thing could lead to complications - and yes, you can still be sued, especially if damages exceed your policy limits.

The single exception is if you’re signing something for the police. If an officer takes a statement about the accident, they may ask you to sign it.

Follow-Up Tasks After a Car Accident

Once the dust has settled, there are still several things you’ll need to do to maximize your chances of filing a successful car accident claim. Here’s a “what to do after a car accident” checklist for after you’ve left the scene:

• Report the accident to your insurance company
• Obtain a copy of your accident report
• Start a record of your medical treatment
• Keep receipts for all expenses related to the accident
• Maintain a written log of how your car accident injury impacts your daily life

The other driver’s insurance company may contact you to ask for a recorded statement. It’s wise not to say anything unless your attorney says it’s okay to do so.

Do I Need to Notify the DMV After a Car Accident?

Many states, though not all, require you to report car and truck accidents. Some have laws that only require you to report a crash if there are injuries or if there is a certain amount of property damage.

Make sure that you’re familiar with your state’s reporting requirements. When in doubt, it’s generally best to err on the side of caution and tell your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

How to Start the Insurance Claims Process After an Accident

The claims process begins with reporting the accident. You don’t have to have all of your supporting evidence ready to initiate the claims process, so you might consider starting the claim right after the accident and then updating it later.

Whether you’re filing an insurance claim with your insurer or the other driver’s, you can typically start the process by doing one of the following:

• Calling the insurance company
• Logging into your online account
• Using your insurer’s mobile app

If you are filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance and they have a different insurance company than you do, you may be able to file an online claim as a guest.

What Happens After You File an Insurance Claim?

Once you’ve filed a claim, you will need to submit supporting evidence. The insurance company can tell you what you need to include, but these are some common types of evidence:

• Copies of your medical bills
• The police report for your accident
• Photos of the accident scene
• Repair estimates for your car
• Pay stubs to prove lost wages

Before approving or denying your claim, the insurance company will often need to investigate. They may assign an insurance adjuster to inspect your vehicle and look more closely into the accident and its circumstances.

When to Involve a Lawyer After a Car Accident

If you’re filing an insurance claim for very minor property damage, you might choose not to work with a personal injury lawyer. However, if you’re filing a significant claim, working with a lawyer is best. The more money an insurance company stands to lose, the harder it’s likely to fight.

You may have seen how accidents with the worst car crash injuries can sometimes result in substantial compensation. However, that compensation can be extremely difficult to win, especially without a lawyer.

A lawyer may be able to negotiate fair damages for your losses. Even if you aren’t sure about filing a claim, an attorney might be able to offer advice on what to do next.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Meeting with a qualified lawyer is one of the most important steps to take after a car accident. Without a lawyer, you may miss critical legal opportunities or accept a low settlement. Your attorney can offer assistance in a number of different areas, including the following:

Evaluating Your Case

Not every case is ideal for a lawsuit. A legal professional experienced with car accidents can discuss your case with you and help you determine whether a lawsuit is the right option. If not, they may be able to help you decide what to do instead.

Negotiating a Settlement

Your car accident settlement will most likely be negotiated outside of court. Personal injury lawyers negotiate settlements on a near-daily basis, so your representative can dramatically increase your chances of getting a fair settlement.

Helping You Understand Your Options If the Other Driver Was Uninsured

Just because the driver who caused the accident didn’t have insurance doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t recover compensation.

You may be able to file a claim with your uninsured motorist insurance, pursue the driver for damages, or file a claim with your collision insurance to repair your car. Your attorney can help you decide the best course of action.

Connect With a Reliable Car Accident Lawyer Today

Working with a car accident lawyer is essential after you’ve been in an accident, but hiring the right attorney is easier said than done. At ConsumerShield, we aim to make it as easy as possible to connect with skilled legal professionals in your area. Fill out our convenient contact form to get started with a free case review.