What to Do After a Car Accident: A Simple Guide

By Brad Davis, CIC (February 27, 2026)
Davis Insurance Associates – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Car accidents are stressful. Even a minor fender bender can leave you shaken and unsure what to do next.

If you’re wondering, “What should I do immediately after a car accident?” this simple step-by-step guide will walk you through it.

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1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority after a car accident is safety.

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt.

• If it’s safe and the vehicles are drivable, move them out of traffic.

Turn on your hazard lights to prevent another collision. Even a small accident can create dangerous road conditions.

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2. Call the Police

In many situations, especially if there are injuries or significant damage, you should contact law enforcement.

A police report provides:

• An official record of the accident

• Names of drivers involved

• Insurance information

• Witness statements

If you later need to file an insurance claim, having a police report can make the process much smoother.

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3. Exchange Information

After ensuring everyone is safe, exchange the following details with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information

• Driver’s license number

• Insurance company and policy number

• Vehicle make, model, and license plate

Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Simply gather facts.

If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information as well.

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4. Take Photos and Document the Scene

Your smartphone is one of your best tools after an accident.

Take clear photos of:

• All vehicles involved

• Damage from multiple angles

• License plates

• The surrounding area (traffic signs, intersections, skid marks)

• Any visible injuries

The more documentation you have, the easier it will be when reporting the claim.

You can also record a quick video explaining what happened while the details are fresh in your mind.

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5. Notify Your Insurance Company

One of the most common questions people ask is, “When should I call my insurance company after an accident?”

The answer: as soon as reasonably possible.

Even if you think the damage is minor or the other driver says they’ll “handle it,” it’s still smart to notify your insurer. Delays can complicate claims later.

When you call, be prepared to provide:

• Date and time of the accident

• Location

• Description of what happened

• Photos and police report (if available)

Your insurance agent or claims department will guide you through the next steps.

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6. Seek Medical Attention If Needed

Not all accidents require a visit to the emergency room or doctor. But sometimes injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Whiplash, back pain, and concussions can take hours, – even days to appear.

If you feel any discomfort, it’s wise to seek medical evaluation. Keep records of all treatment and expenses related to the accident.

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7. Understand Your Coverage

After a car accident, coverage questions often come up:

• Does liability insurance cover my car?

• Will uninsured motorist coverage apply?

• Do I have rental reimbursement?

• What is my deductible?

This is where having a local insurance agent can make a difference. Instead of calling a generic 1-800 number, you can speak with someone who knows your policy and can explain what applies to your situation.

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8. Stay Organized

Keep all accident-related documents in one place:

• Claim number

• Adjuster contact information

• Repair estimates

• Rental car receipts

• Medical bills

Being organized reduces stress and speeds up the process.

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Final Thoughts

No one plans to have a car accident. But knowing what to do ahead of time can make a difficult situation much easier.

To recap:

1. Ensure safety first

2. Call the police

3. Exchange information

4. Document everything

5. Notify your insurance company

6. Seek medical care if needed

7. Review your coverage

8. Stay organized

If you ever have questions about auto insurance coverage or what happens after an accident, don’t hesitate to ask your insurance professional. Clear guidance during stressful moments is part of what good insurance service should provide.

For more information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (from car seats, recalls, road safety, to vehicle theft protection and more) visit NHTSA.gov.