autoclaimsguide

Right after the crash

I just had a crash — what do I do and document right now?

The short answer: people first, then paper. Get to safety and call emergency services. Once the scene is stable, photograph everything, exchange information, get witness details, and note the police report number. What you capture in the first hour is often the best evidence your claim will ever have.

In order

  1. Safety first. Move to a safe spot if the car is drivable and it's safe to do so. Turn on hazards.
  2. Call emergency services. Call 911 if anyone may be hurt. Even for minor crashes, a police report creates an official record.
  3. Exchange information. Names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, license plates, insurance company and policy numbers — for every driver involved.
  4. Photograph the scene. All vehicles from multiple angles, close-ups of damage, plates, the road, traffic signals, skid marks, weather and lighting conditions.
  5. Get witnesses. Names and phone numbers. Witnesses leave; get them now.
  6. Write down what happened while it's fresh — your own timeline in your own words, with the date, time, and location.

What NOT to do at the scene

  • Don't admit fault or apologize for the crash. Exchange facts, not conclusions — fault is determined later, and offhand comments can be used against you.
  • Don't skip the report to "keep it simple." The other driver may remember the crash differently later. The report is your anchor.
  • Don't give a recorded statement to the other insurer until you've thought it through. Their questions serve their file, not yours.
Start your claim file on day one A folder (physical or digital) with the report number, claim number, names of everyone you talk to, dates, photos, and receipts. Every future dispute is won with this file.
If anyone might be hurt, see a medical professional promptly Adrenaline masks injuries. This site can't give medical advice — a doctor can. Delays in care also become delays in any injury documentation, so don't wait to get checked out.

Related guides

Informational only — not legal, medical, or insurance advice.

Crash-reporting requirements and claim rules vary by state and by policy. Nothing here is medical advice — for any injury, see a medical professional. For claim questions, check your policy or talk to a licensed professional.