A crash is over in seconds; what you do in the following minutes and days determines how safe everyone stays and how well any insurance claim goes. This checklist walks through the whole sequence. Prefer a printable version? Use our interactive crash checklist.
1. Stop, check for injuries, and stay safe
Stop your vehicle - leaving the scene of an injury crash is a crime in every state. Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Adrenaline masks pain well; neck, back, and internal injuries often are not obvious at all.
- If the car is drivable and it is safe, move it out of traffic lanes and turn on hazard lights.
- If it is not drivable, stay belted inside with hazards on, or move well away from the roadway - never stand between vehicles.
- Set out warning triangles or flares if you carry them, especially at night or in poor visibility.
2. Call 911
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if either vehicle cannot be driven, or if you are simply unsure. Many states require a police report for crashes involving injury or damage above a dollar threshold (often $500-$1,500). A police report creates an neutral record that insurers rely on heavily.
When officers respond, get the report number and the responding officer's name and badge number. If police do not come to the scene, you can usually file the report yourself at a police station or online within a few days.
3. Document the scene thoroughly
Your phone is the best evidence-gathering tool you own. Photograph:
- All vehicles from multiple angles, including license plates
- Damage close-ups and wide shots showing the relationship of the cars
- Skid marks, debris fields, and final resting positions
- Road conditions, traffic signals, weather, and lighting
4. Exchange information - facts only
Collect from every driver involved: full name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and vehicle make, model, and color. Get names and numbers from any witnesses before they leave.
Stick to facts. Do not admit fault, apologize in a way that assigns blame, or argue about what happened. Fault is determined later, using evidence - not roadside negotiations.
5. See a doctor within 72 hours
Even if you feel fine, get checked. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries commonly appear one to three days later, and a documented medical visit close to the crash date matters both for your health and for any claim. Keep every receipt and record.
6. Notify your insurer and start the claim
Most policies require prompt notice of a crash - often within days. Have ready: the date, time, and location; the other driver's information; the police report number; and your photos. Ask specifically what your policy covers: rental car, towing, medical payments coverage, and your deductible.
7. Watch the repair and settlement process
You generally have the right to choose the repair shop. Get your own estimate and compare it against the adjuster's appraisal. If the other driver was at fault, their insurer owes for damages; if fault is disputed, your own collision coverage may be faster, with your insurer pursuing reimbursement (subrogation) afterward.
Common mistakes that cost people money
- Waiting days to see a doctor, weakening both recovery and claim
- Giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before understanding the claim
- Accepting the first settlement offer before knowing the full cost of injuries
- Posting about the crash on social media
Before you need this page
The best time to prepare is now: keep our crash checklist in your glovebox, build a car emergency kit, and turn on crash detection on your phone so help is called even if you cannot.