In order: check for injuries and call emergency services if needed, move vehicles out of traffic if safe, call the police to file a report, exchange information with the other driver(s), photograph everything, and get witness contact details — all before discussing fault or leaving the scene. Report the incident to your insurer within 24-48 hours, even for minor damage, since delayed notification can complicate a claim later.
At a glance — the first-hour order of operations
| Step | Priority |
|---|---|
| Check for injuries, call 911/emergency services | Immediate, before anything else |
| Move vehicles out of traffic if safe to do so | Immediate |
| Call police to file a report | Within minutes |
| Exchange info + photograph scene | Before anyone leaves |
| Notify your insurer | Within 24-48 hours |
Step 1: Safety first
Check yourself and passengers for injuries before anything else. If anyone is hurt, or the vehicles are blocking traffic in a dangerous spot, call emergency services immediately. Turn on hazard lights and, if you have them, set out reflective triangles or flares a safe distance behind the vehicles, especially at night or on a highway shoulder.
Step 2: Move vehicles if it's safe
If the vehicles are driveable and it's safe to move them, pull to the shoulder or a nearby lot to get out of traffic — in most jurisdictions this doesn't affect fault determination for minor accidents and significantly reduces the risk of a second collision. Leave vehicles in place only if moving them isn't safe or if local law requires leaving them for police documentation (rules vary by location).
Step 3: Call the police
File a police report even for what looks like minor damage — many jurisdictions require it above a certain damage threshold or for any injury, and having an official report significantly strengthens your insurance claim regardless of legal requirement. Get the report number and the responding officer's name before they leave.
Step 4: Exchange information
- Full name and contact details of all drivers involved
- Insurance company and policy number for each vehicle
- License plate and vehicle identification (make/model/colour) for all vehicles involved
- Driver's license number if the other party is willing to share it
Step 5: Document everything
- Photograph all vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Photograph the overall accident scene, including road position, traffic signals, and skid marks if visible
- Photograph license plates of all vehicles involved
- Note the date, time, weather, and road conditions
- Photograph any visible injuries (with the injured person's consent)
Step 6: Get witness information
Ask anyone who saw the accident for their name and phone number before they leave — independent witness statements can be decisive if fault is disputed later, and witnesses rarely stick around long once the immediate scene clears.
| What NOT to do at the scene | Why |
|---|---|
| Admit fault or apologize in a way that implies liability | Can be used against you even before an investigation is complete |
| Leave before exchanging information | Can constitute a hit-and-run in many jurisdictions, even for minor damage |
| Negotiate a cash settlement on the spot to "avoid the hassle" | Skips documentation that protects you if injuries or damage surface later |
| Post details or photos on social media before your claim is settled | Can complicate the claims process or be used out of context |
After the scene: notify your insurer
Report the accident to your insurer within 24-48 hours, providing your photos, the police report number, and a factual account of events. See the Insurance Claim Process Guide for what happens next and typical settlement timelines.
This checklist is educational guidance, not legal advice. Requirements for reporting to police, moving vehicles, and fault rules vary by state, province, and country — check your local regulations, and consult a professional for injury or disputed-fault situations.
Frequently asked questions
Should I move my car after an accident?
Do I need to call the police for a minor fender bender?
What should I photograph at an accident scene?
Is it okay to apologize at the scene of an accident?
How soon do I need to report the accident to my insurer?
Sources & further reading
- NHTSA — What to Do After a Crash
- III (Insurance Information Institute) — Auto Accident Checklist
- Citizens Advice (UK) — What to Do After a Car Accident
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
