What to do after a car accident: a checklist
By Tagwell Auto · Last updated October 9, 2026
The short answer: check for injuries, get safe, call for help, then photograph everything and swap details. Don't argue about whose fault it was.
This is general guidance, not legal or medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency number first. In the US that's 911.
At the scene
- Is anyone hurt? Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if there's fire or leaking fuel, or if the cars are blocking traffic.
- Get safe. Turn on your hazard lights. If the cars can move and no one is hurt, move out of traffic.
- Take a breath. You'll remember more if you slow down.
- Call the police if anyone is hurt, if the damage is serious, or if your state requires a report. Ask how to get a copy.
- Take photos. All four sides of each car, the damage up close, the other car's plate, the road, signs and signals, and any skid marks.
- Swap details with the other driver. See the list below.
- Ask witnesses for a name and a phone number.
- Write down the time, the place and what happened, while it's fresh.
What to get from the other driver
- Name and phone number
- Insurance company and policy number. Photograph the card
- Driver's license number. Photograph it if they agree
- License plate and state
- Make, model and color of their vehicle
- The owner's name, if it isn't the driver
What not to do
- Don't leave the scene
- Don't say it was your fault, and don't accuse the other driver. Stick to the facts and let the insurers sort it out
- Don't sign anything except a police report or ticket
- Don't agree to settle in cash at the roadside
Afterwards
- Call your insurer as soon as you can, even if you think you weren't at fault.
- See a doctor if anything hurts. Some injuries show up a day or two later.
- Keep everything in one place: photos, the report number, names, the claim number and receipts.
Before it happens
Put your insurer's claims number and your roadside number where you can find them, and keep a copy of your insurance card in the car.
General guidance. Typical intervals, and your owner's manual wins. If a red warning light is on or the car drives differently, stop safely and get help.
Related: Safety and recalls in Tagwell Auto
Track this automatically in Tagwell Auto
Tagwell Auto has these steps under "Something happened" on the Vehicles tab. It works with no signal, prompts each photo, and saves everything as one record you can send to your insurer. It's free in every version.
Questions
What should I do first after a car accident?
Check for injuries and call your local emergency number if anyone is hurt. Then turn on your hazard lights and move out of traffic if it's safe.
What information should I exchange?
Name, phone, insurance company and policy number, driver's license number, plate, and the make, model and color of the vehicle.
Should I admit fault?
No. Share the facts and let the insurers decide. Don't accuse the other driver either.