Car Accident — What to Do at the Scene

Step-by-step actions in the first hour after a collision — stay safe, gather the right evidence, and avoid the statements that sink insurance claims.

Immediate Safety

• Turn on hazard lights the instant the car stops
• If the car is drivable, move it out of live traffic lanes — pulling to a shoulder or nearby lot prevents secondary collisions
• Check yourself and all passengers for injuries before exiting — adrenaline masks pain
• Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, if airbags deployed, or if traffic is blocked
• Set road flares or emergency triangles behind your vehicle if you have them — especially critical at night or on curves

What to Never Say

• Do not say 'I'm sorry' or 'It was my fault' to anyone at the scene — even a reflexive apology can be used against you in court
• Do not speculate about what caused the accident when speaking to the other driver or witnesses
• Do not admit to being distracted, tired, or in a hurry — even if true

Exchange Information

• Get the other driver's full name, address, phone number, driver's license number, and license plate
• Photograph the other driver's insurance card — you need company name, policy number, and claims phone number
• Get contact info from all witnesses — people leave quickly; ask immediately
• Note the responding officer's name and badge number, and ask how to obtain the police report

Document Everything

• Photograph every vehicle involved from all four sides, including license plates in frame
• Photograph the damage close-up and the overall accident scene including skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions
• Take a video walking around all vehicles to capture damage context — video timestamps are valuable in disputes
• Write down the exact time, location, weather, light conditions, and speed (yours and theirs if observable) while memory is fresh

After the Scene

• Call your insurance company the same day — most policies require 'prompt' notification, and delays can complicate claims
• Do not accept any settlement offer at the scene — even small amounts; you may not know the extent of injuries yet
• Get a medical evaluation within 24 hours even if you feel fine — whiplash and soft tissue injuries often present a day later
• Request a copy of the police report within 7 days from your local police records department