What to Do After a Car Accident: Insurance Checklist

Stay Calm and Follow the Checklist

Car accidents are disorienting. Your adrenaline spikes, you're worried about injuries, and you're not thinking clearly. Having a plan beforehand — even if it's just bookmarked on your phone — helps you avoid common mistakes that can complicate your insurance claim.

At the Scene

1. Check for Injuries

• Assess yourself and your passengers
• Call 911 if anyone is injured — even minor injuries
• Don't move injured people unless there's immediate danger (fire, traffic)

2. Move to Safety (If Possible)

• If vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder or a parking lot
• Turn on hazard lights
• Set up reflective triangles or flares if you have them

3. Call the Police

• Get an official accident report — it's crucial for insurance claims
• Some states require a police report for any accident above a certain damage threshold
• If police can't respond, document everything yourself and file a report at the station later

4. Exchange Information

Collect from all other drivers:

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

5. Document Everything

Use your phone to capture:

• Photos of all vehicles — damage, license plates, relative positions
• Photos of the scene — traffic signals, road conditions, skid marks, debris
• Photos of injuries — even minor ones
• Street/intersection name — note the exact location
• Weather and lighting conditions
• Screenshot of the time — timestamp matters

6. Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident, get their:

• Name and phone number
• Brief description of what they saw
• Willingness to provide a statement

7. Don't Admit Fault

• Say "I'm glad everyone is okay" — not "I'm sorry, it was my fault"
• Fault determination is for insurers and police, not the scene
• Be polite but don't speculate about what happened

After Leaving the Scene

8. Call Your Insurance Company

• Report the accident as soon as possible (same day if you can)
• Provide the facts — what happened, where, when, who was involved
• Don't guess about fault or speculate about injuries
• Get your claim number and adjuster's name

9. See a Doctor

• Even if you feel fine, get checked within 24-48 hours
• Some injuries (whiplash, concussion, internal injuries) don't show symptoms immediately
• Medical documentation establishes a link between the accident and your injuries
• This protects both your health and your insurance claim

10. Keep Records

Start a folder (physical or digital) with:

• Police report
• All photos and videos
• Insurance correspondence
• Medical bills and records
• Repair estimates and invoices
• Rental car receipts
• Lost wage documentation

11. Get Repair Estimates

• You have the right to choose your own repair shop (in most states)
• Get at least two estimates
• Your insurer may have preferred shops — you don't have to use them, but they may offer guarantees if you do

12. Don't Accept Quick Settlements

• The other driver's insurance may offer a fast settlement
• Before accepting, understand the full extent of your damages and injuries
• Once you accept, you typically can't go back for more
• Consult an attorney if injuries are significant

What to Tell Your Insurance Company

Do Say:

• The facts of what happened (time, location, sequence of events)
• Who was involved (names, insurance info)
• What damage occurred (to vehicles, property, people)
• That you have a police report (and the report number)

Don't Say:

• "It was my fault" or "I think I caused it"
• "I'm not injured" (you might not know yet)
• Speculation about the other driver's state (drunk, texting, etc.)
• Anything you're not sure about — "I don't know" is fine

Common Mistakes That Hurt Claims

1. Not calling police: No report means it's your word against theirs
2. Not seeing a doctor: Delayed medical care weakens injury claims
3. Posting on social media: Insurance companies monitor social accounts
4. Giving a recorded statement too soon: You're not required to immediately
5. Not getting enough photos: You can never have too many
6. Accepting the first offer: Especially for injury claims, the first offer is usually low

The Bottom Line

The actions you take in the first 24-48 hours after an accident significantly impact your insurance claim outcome. Document everything, report promptly, see a doctor, and don't rush to settle. Your future self will thank your prepared self.