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Free Case Review   After a car accident, check for injuries, move to a safe spot if you can, and call 911. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and speak with police without admitting fault. Afterward, notify your insurance company and consider speaking with a lawyer, especially if there are injuries or damage. This article shows you what to do right after a crash and in the days that follow. You’ll learn how to protect your health, deal with insurance, and avoid common mistakes, whether it’s a small fender bender or something more serious.   Request a Free Case Review What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident? The moments after a car crash can be stressful, but taking a few clear steps can protect your safety, your rights, and your wallet.   Call 911 right away. Whether it’s a serious collision or a minor traffic accident, call the police immediately. Emergency responders can help anyone who’s hurt, and police authorities will create an accident report. That report is often legally required and may be important for your insurance claim or personal injury case.   Check for injuries. Look for visible injuries on yourself, your passengers, and anyone in the other vehicles involved. If someone is seriously hurt, avoid moving them unless there’s immediate danger.   Move to a safe area. If your vehicle is blocking traffic but still drivable, turn on your hazard lights and move to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This helps ensure safety for everyone at the scene of the accident.   Exchange information with the other driver. Swap names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Also note the vehicle details and registration. Get contact details from any other parties involved.   Document the scene. Take clear photos of all the vehicles involved, vehicle damage, the location, and any road signs or traffic signals. Capture visible injuries and damage to any personal property too. These images can support your insurance claim and help determine legal liability.   Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name and phone number. Their version of events might help later during the claims process or if there’s a dispute.   Avoid admitting fault. Don’t say “I’m sorry,” even if you feel responsible. Stick to the facts when speaking to police or the other driver. Fault will be determined based on the investigation, not opinions at the scene.   Cooperate with police. When officers arrive, answer their questions truthfully and calmly. Avoid guessing or exaggerating. Ask how to get a copy of the official accident report, which is often needed for auto accident claims or to file a personal injury protection claim. Quick Checklist to Follow at the Scene   Call 911   Check for injuries (your own and others’)   Turn on hazard lights and move to safety if possible   Exchange names, insurance details, and contact info with drivers involved   Take photos of the scene, damaged vehicle(s), and license plates   Collect witness names and contact details   Cooperate with police and request a copy of the report   Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened   Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor   Request a Free Case Review What to Do After Leaving the Scene Just because the immediate aftermath is over doesn’t mean your job is done. There are several steps you should take to protect your health and make sure the insurance process goes smoothly. Get Checked by a Doctor Even if you didn’t ride in an ambulance, you should still see a doctor after the accident. Some injuries, like soft-tissue damage or a concussion, can take hours or days to appear. A prompt medical check can help catch problems early and link your condition to the auto accident. It also supports your injury claims and helps cover medical expenses through your insurance provider. Follow All Medical Advice If your doctor recommends rest, medication, or physical therapy, follow through. Ignoring medical advice could slow your recovery and make it harder to prove your injuries later. Consistent care helps strengthen your case if you need to pursue a personal injury claim or seek legal advice. Notify Your Insurance Company Make prompt notification to your insurance provider. Share the time and location of the accident, the drivers involved, vehicle details, and whether anyone was hurt. You don’t need to guess about fault or give too much detail early on. Reporting the accident gets your car insurance claim started and may help cover damages or medical bills. Keep Records of Everything Hold on to everything: your medical bills, doctor notes, accident report, repair estimates, and receipts from the repair shop. If your vehicle is being repaired, track that process too. If you miss work, write down the dates and calculate lost income. All of this can support your claim and may affect the actual cash value or reimbursement you receive from your insurer. Don’t Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster (Yet) If the other party’s insurance adjuster contacts you, it’s okay to decline the conversation. Their job is to limit what they pay, not to protect your interests. You’re not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so without legal support could hurt your claim. It’s safer to let your own insurer or attorney handle those calls. Consider Talking to an Attorney If the accident caused serious injuries or there’s a question about fault, a lawyer can help. They’ll explain your legal liability, help you understand your insurance policy, and guide you through the claims process. They can also work directly with both insurance companies so you don’t have to deal with stressful calls. Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do.   Request a Free Case Review Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident Even if