Lesson
What to do after a car accident
- Published:
- October 12, 2026
- Review status:
- Needs verification — carefully written, not yet checked by a qualified professional
Safety first
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not move a seriously injured person unless there's an immediate danger like fire. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible before handling other steps.
Needs verification
- Specific state requirements for when police reports must be filed, since thresholds vary by state.
We left these specific numbers out until they're checked against current official sources.
AThe super simple explanation
First, check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or if required by your state.
If it's safe, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights.
Exchange contact, insurance, and license information with the other driver.
Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries, then contact your insurance company.
BWhy does this even matter?
- Taking the right steps immediately protects your safety and strengthens your position for any insurance claim or legal matter later.
- Failing to exchange information or document the scene can make it harder to prove what happened if there's a dispute.
- Prompt reporting to your insurer and, when required, to police, is often necessary to keep your coverage valid and avoid legal issues.
COkay, how does it work?
DShow me an example
A minor fender bender
Two cars collide at low speed in a parking lot with no visible injuries.
The drivers move to a safe spot, exchange insurance information, take photos, and each contacts their insurer to report the incident.
Illustrative example with made-up people and numbers — not current rates or rules.
EWalk me through it
- 1Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- 2Move vehicles out of traffic if it's safe to do so, and turn on hazard lights.
- 3Exchange name, contact info, license plate, and insurance details with the other driver.
- 4Take photos of the vehicles, damage, scene, and any visible injuries.
- 5Get contact information from any witnesses.
- 6File a police report if required, then contact your insurance company to start a claim.
FWords you should know
- Police report
- An official document filed by law enforcement describing the details of an accident, often required for significant damage or injury.
- Fault
- Legal responsibility for causing an accident, determined by evidence, state law, and sometimes insurance company investigation.
- Claim
- A formal request to your insurance company for payment related to a covered loss, like an accident.
GCommon mistakes
- Admitting fault or apologizing in a way that could be used against you before fault is determined.
- Forgetting to exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Not documenting the scene with photos before vehicles are moved or repaired.
- Delaying contact with your insurance company after the accident.
HThings to know
- Many states require police reports for accidents involving injury, death, or damage above a set dollar amount — check your state's specific threshold.
- Even if you weren't at fault, most insurance policies require you to notify them promptly after any accident.
- Keeping a small accident kit (pen, paper, your insurance card) in your car makes documenting a scene easier.
IQuick recap
- Check for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange information with the other driver and document the scene with photos.
- File a police report if required by your state or the severity of the accident.
- Contact your insurance company promptly, regardless of fault.
JQuestions people are too embarrassed to ask
KQuiz me
Totally optional. Nobody's grading you.
LWhat next?
- 1.Keep your insurance card and a pen/paper (or a note on your phone) in your car for documenting any future accident.
- 2.Review your insurance policy's accident reporting requirements.
Related lessons: