What to do after a car accident

Most people are shaken after a crash, and the decisions made in the first hour matter for weeks afterward. This guide covers what to do at the scene, how to report the accident, what happens once a claim is opened, and how to keep the process from becoming harder than it needs to be. It's general guidance; the details of reporting rules and fault vary by state.

At the scene

1. Check for injuries first. If anyone may be hurt, call 911. Don't move an injured person unless they're in immediate danger.
2. Get out of traffic if you safely can. If the cars are drivable and no one is seriously hurt, move them to the shoulder or a safe spot. Turn on hazard lights. If the cars can't be moved, get yourself away from traffic.
3. Call the police when there are injuries, significant damage, a dispute about what happened, or an uncooperative or uninsured driver. In many places you're required to report accidents above a certain damage threshold, and a police report is the single most useful document in a claim.
4. Stay calm and stick to facts. Exchange information politely. Don't argue about fault and don't apologize for causing the accident; fault is decided later from evidence and state rules, and statements at the scene can be used against you.

What to exchange and record

Collect from every other driver: name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, insurance company and policy number, and the make and model of their car. Give them the same. Then record the scene while it's fresh:

• Photos of all vehicles from several angles, close up and wide, including plates
• Photos of the road, skid marks, traffic signs, signals, weather and lighting
• The time, location and direction each car was traveling
• Names and contact details of witnesses
• The responding officers' names and the police report number

If the other driver won't share insurance details, photograph their plate and let the police handle it. Never hand over your registration or license to someone else to photograph; read the details aloud instead.

Reporting to your insurer

Notify your insurer promptly, even if you don't think you'll file a claim and even if the other driver was at fault. Policies require timely notice, and late reporting can complicate or jeopardize coverage. When you call, you'll get a claim number and an adjuster will be assigned. Report what happened factually; don't guess at speeds, distances or causes you're not sure of.

Check whether your state requires you to file an accident report with the motor vehicle department as well. Many do when damage exceeds a set amount or anyone is injured, and the deadline can be short.

What happens once a claim is opened

The adjuster reviews the police report, statements and photos, decides which coverages apply, and arranges an inspection of your car, either at a shop, by a field adjuster, or through photos. The shop or adjuster prepares an estimate. If repairs make sense, the insurer authorizes them and pays the shop, minus your deductible where one applies. If the estimated repair cost is high relative to the car's value, the insurer declares a total loss and offers the car's actual cash value, minus any deductible, with any loan balance paid to the lender first.

A few things to know along the way:

• In most states you can choose your repair shop. Insurers have preferred networks that offer convenience and guarantees, but the choice is usually yours.
• Estimates can be based on aftermarket or used parts rather than new original parts. Whether you can insist on original parts depends on your policy and state.
• If the other driver was at fault, you can claim against their liability coverage instead of your own collision coverage, which avoids your deductible but can be slower.
• Rental coverage only applies if you bought it or the at-fault driver's insurer is paying, so ask early.
• In some states you may be able to claim "diminished value," the drop in resale value of a repaired car, from the at-fault driver's insurer.

If the other driver is uninsured or drives away

A police report becomes essential. Your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you carry it, is what pays for your injuries when the other driver has no insurance, and in many states it applies to hit-and-run accidents too. Uninsured motorist property damage or collision coverage handles the car. If you have neither, you may have to pursue the other driver directly, which is why many consumer guides suggest carrying uninsured motorist coverage even where it isn't required.

Medical care

Get checked by a doctor even if you feel fine; some injuries surface a day or two later, and a medical record close to the accident date matters if you have an injury claim. Keep every bill and note every appointment. Depending on your state, medical costs are handled by your personal injury protection, your medical payments coverage, the at-fault driver's liability coverage, or your health insurance.

Dealing with the other driver's insurer

The other driver's insurer may contact you quickly. You're generally not required to give them a recorded statement, and it's reasonable to provide only basic facts until you understand your injuries and the damage. Don't sign a release or accept a settlement for injuries until you know the full extent of them; a release usually ends your ability to claim more later. If the injuries are serious or fault is disputed, consulting an attorney licensed in your state is a normal step, and many offer an initial consultation without charge.

Keep a claim file

Keep one folder, paper or digital, with the police report, photos, claim number, adjuster contact details, every estimate and invoice, medical records, a log of every call with the date and what was said, and receipts for out-of-pocket costs like towing and rentals. Claims go more smoothly when you can answer any question with a document.