What should you do in an accident?

Asked by: Skylar Collier  |  Last update: January 15, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (61 votes)

What to Do If There Is an Accident
  1. Call 911 if there are injuries.
  2. Call the police. ...
  3. Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers from all drivers.
  4. Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers. ...
  5. Obtain names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other passengers and any witnesses.

What is the first thing you should do if an accident occurs?

Report the accident to the police. Seek medical attention if you or anyone else at the scene was injured. Get information from all involved parties and document the accident. If you can do so safely, take photos of all involved vehicles: (This is discussed in more detail below.)

What are 5 things you should do if you're involved in a collision?

NAVIGATING THE UNEXPECTED: WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
  • Stay Calm & Stop. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. ...
  • Check for Injuries. ...
  • Ensure Safety. ...
  • Call the Police - 911. ...
  • Wait for Help. ...
  • Avoid Admitting Fault or Placing Blame. ...
  • Exchange Information. ...
  • Document the Incident.

Do I need to file a claim if I hit someone?

Yes, file a claim. Don't make a private deal in case the other driver demands more money later. Suggest they file a claim, then tell your insurer about the accident. You cause serious damage to someone else's vehicle, home or property.

What are the six correct steps to take after you have an accident?

Use this car accident checklist to help you navigate the steps to take after a car accident.
  • Remain calm.
  • Check for injuries.
  • 3. Move to a safe area.
  • Call the authorities.
  • Exchange information.
  • Document the accident.
  • Notify your insurance.

What To Do After a Car Accident? | Tips From the Car Crash Experts

36 related questions found

What are the 5 steps to take if someone has had an accident injury?

  1. One: Report the Accident. California law requires drivers to report any accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death. ...
  2. Two: Seek Medical Treatment. ...
  3. Three: Notify Insurance Carriers of the Accident. ...
  4. Four: Gather Critical Documentation. ...
  5. Five: Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney.

What 6 actions should be carried out following an accident?

Accident reporting & investigation procedure – 6 steps
  • Check for immediate danger. ...
  • Seek medical assistance. ...
  • Record details in the accident book. ...
  • Conduct a formal investigation. ...
  • Determine if the accident is reportable. ...
  • Review and update safety measures.

Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.

What happens if you lightly hit a car?

Your obligation to stop, find the vehicle owner, leave a note, and/or report the accident all presume that the vehicle was damaged when you hit it. But the absence of visible damage isn't conclusive proof that the car you hit came through the incident unscathed.

Is it better to use your insurance or theirs?

After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.

What three things can you do to avoid an accident?

If you follow these common sense steps, you will be taking the most important steps to ensuring you avoid an accident.
  • Develop the right attitude about driving. ...
  • Get as much supervised practice driving as possible. ...
  • ALWAYS wear your safety belt. ...
  • Underage drinking and drug use is illegal. ...
  • Limit your passengers.

What is most important action to be taken immediately after a collision?

Prompt Medical Attention

In some accidents, injuries might not be immediately apparent. Calling the police to the scene can expedite the process of getting medical attention for those who need it. Police officers can coordinate with emergency medical services and ensure that anyone injured receives timely care.

How many points for hitting a parked car?

Up to six points can be added to your driver's record, and you could even face criminal charges. Although you may not see any witnesses to the collision, you can't be certain no one is watching. If you hit a parked vehicle, don't leave the scene of the accident.

What is the one thing you must never do after an accident?

#1. Don't Drive Away From the Scene

Even if you don't believe any harm has been done, you should never leave the scene of an accident, regardless of how minor it may seem. Even if you're not at fault, staying and exchanging information with the other drivers is essential.

What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?

Report the Incident

You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.

Does insurance pay if I hit a car?

Auto liability coverage is required in nearly every state. If you're found at fault in an auto accident, liability coverage can pay for damage to other vehicles, damage to objects, bodily injuries to other drivers and their passengers, and lawsuits if you're sued due to an accident.

Can you sue someone if they almost hit you with a car?

In general, you must suffer an actual injury in order to bring a personal injury lawsuit. “Almost” being injured is not an injury in and of itself. However, if you suffer mental anguish after experiencing a “close call” you may be able to bring a suit, but only under very narrow conditions.

Do you have to report a minor car accident to the police in the UK?

You must report the collision no matter who was at fault. If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident you could be committing an offence and be charged. The penalties include: a fine.

How does insurance work if it's not your fault?

Who pays in a no-fault accident? If there's an accident between two drivers, each party's PIP coverage typically pays for their respective medical bills and/or wage loss up to their policies' limits, no matter who caused the accident.

When someone hits you, do you call your insurance or theirs?

For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.

Should I call their insurance or mine?

Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.

How to investigate an accident?

An effective incident investigation involves six main steps, which are described in detail below:
  1. Secure the Scene. ...
  2. Plan the Investigation. ...
  3. Collect All Relevant Information. ...
  4. Analyze Collected Data to Find the Root Cause. ...
  5. Implement Corrective Actions. ...
  6. Document and Share the Results.

What 4 things should you immediately do if you are involved in a collision?

If you are involved in an automobile collision you should:
  • Stop immediately, but do not block traffic. ...
  • Warn oncoming automobiles of any traffic hazards. ...
  • Assist anyone who may be injured. ...
  • Telephone the police and cooperate fully with the investigating officers.

What is the first action that should be taken at a vehicle accident?

STOP Immediately and move only if it is safe to do so. Call 911 if there are injuries. Call the police. In some areas, police authorities may respond to every accident scene.