What to do after a car accident: your free 12 step checklist

Just had a car accident? Start with everyone’s safety. Our nonprofit checklist walks you through what to do next, including injuries, photographs, police reports, information exchange and important records.

Read the 12 steps

A free resource from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A car accident can leave you shaken and unsure what to do first. This page puts our guides in the order you are likely to need them. It starts with safety at the scene, then covers medical care, police reports, insurance, your vehicle, your family and getting back on the road. Each card opens a plain guide with more detail.

If the crash just happened, start with the 12 steps below. If you are past the first few days, use the On this page menu to jump to the guide you need. If anyone is hurt, call 911 now.

Your 12 step checklist

Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation

  1. Check everyone for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
  2. If it is safe, move out of traffic, turn on your hazard lights and turn off the ignition.
  3. Call the police so there is an official report of the crash.
  4. Stay at the scene until the proper steps are done.
  5. Exchange information with every driver, and photograph their license, insurance card, registration and plate.
  6. Stick to the facts. Avoid saying “I’m sorry,” “It was my fault” or “I’m fine.”
  7. Take photos and videos of the vehicles, the scene and any injuries.
  8. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
  9. Turn down roadside cash deals, and be careful with tow trucks you did not call.
  10. Get a medical checkup, even if you feel okay, and watch for delayed symptoms.
  11. Report the crash to your insurance company, and keep a file of every record.
  12. Stay off social media about the crash, and ask for professional help if it was serious.

Want more detail? Read each step explained in our full checklist guide.

Safety at the scene

Your first job is to keep everyone safe and get help for anyone who is hurt. These guides cover calling 911, helping others safely and basic first aid. They also help you decide whether to stay in the car or get out, and where to wait safely.

If the crash just happened

Check everyone for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If it is safe, move out of traffic, turn on your hazard lights and turn off the engine. Do not move an injured person unless staying where they are is more dangerous.

Start herePost accident safety checklistThe simple steps that protect your safety, your health, and your future after a crashRead the guidePost crash care: what to do in the first minutes after a crashHow to protect the scene, call 911 with the right details and help the injuredRead the guideAfter a crash: should you stay inside the car or get out?How to decide whether to stay buckled in or move to a safe spotRead the guideCan I drive home after a car accident? Two checks before you goHow to tell if you and your car are both fit to drive after a crashRead the guideRoadside breakdown safety: what to do when your car breaks downHow to get out of traffic, stay visible, call for help and handle a flatRead the guide

The first three days

Some problems show up a day or two after the crash. A plan for the first 72 hours helps you catch new symptoms, stop storage fees and save evidence. Even a small crash with no visible damage needs a quick recheck.

Start hereThe first 72 hours after a car accident: what to do and whenWhat to do for your health, car, paperwork and records over the first three daysRead the guideWhat to do after a minor car accident, even with no visible damageSteps for a small crash, plus the checks that catch hidden injuries and damageRead the guide

Symptoms that can show up later

Some injuries do not cause symptoms right away. Learn the warning signs that need care, when to get checked again, and why it helps to keep watching for changes after a first exam.

Start hereSerious car crash: how to spot symptoms that need medical careWarning signs that need medical care in the first few days after a collisionRead the guideConcussion / TBI red flag checklist after an accidentThe warning signs that can appear hours or days after a crashRead the guideFeeling fine after a crash?Lucid interval after a crash and why feeling fine can still be dangerousRead the guide

Police reports and evidence

A clear record helps with insurance claims and any legal questions later. Learn how to get the crash report, ask to correct factual errors and write down your own account. Then save dashcam video before it is recorded over.

Start hereCrash reports and evidence: keeping a reliable record after a serious crashPractical tips for documenting what happened and keeping records organizedRead the guideHow to save your dashcam video after a crashSimple steps to save and protect dashcam video after a crashRead the guide

Claims and legal steps can feel confusing, especially while you are hurt or stressed. These guides explain your coverage, how to open a claim and work with an adjuster, and what to know about fault, settlements and deadlines.

Start hereMaking sense of your insurance coverage after a serious car crashThe coverage choices and steps behind an insurance claim, in plain languageRead the guideAfter a serious crash: fault, settlements, deadlines and your legal rightsThe legal choices and deadlines that call for extra care after a crashRead the guide

Problems with the other driver

Sometimes the other driver refuses to share information, leaves the scene, has no insurance, or their insurer says they were not at fault. These guides explain how to stay safe, report it, save evidence, check your own coverage and respond.

Start hereWhen the other driver flees the crash sceneSteps to take when the other driver flees and how to file a claimRead the guideWhat if the other driver refuses to cooperate after an accident?How to stay safe, stay calm and let the police handle a difficult driverRead the guideWhat to do when the driver who hit you has no insuranceHow uninsured motorist coverage can help when the other driver has no insuranceRead the guideWhen the other driver’s insurer says its driver wasn’t at faultWhat to do when the other insurer says its driver was not at faultRead the guide

Special situations

Some crashes call for extra steps. These guides cover parking lots, crashes with several vehicles, crashes far from home, a teen’s first crash, and getting help when communication is hard.

Start hereParking lot accidents: what to do if you hit a parked car or find yours damagedSteps for both sides of a parking lot crash, and the 24 hour deadline to knowRead the guideWhat to do after an accident involving several vehiclesHow to stay safe in a chain crash and record the impacts you rememberRead the guideWhat to do after a car accident away from homeA checklist for the reports, records, car and plans to settle before you leave townRead the guideYour teen’s first car accident: a guide for teens and parentsA calm phone script and clear next steps for a new driver’s first crashRead the guideGetting help after a crash when communication is difficultYour rights, a 911 texting tip and a card to help police understand youRead the guide

Medical bills and payment

Crash medical bills can come from many places. Learn how medical payments coverage and PIP work, what limits apply, and how to sort out which insurer should get each bill.

Start hereHow medical payments coverage and PIP work after a crashHow medical payments coverage and PIP help with crash medical billsRead the guideWhich insurer should get your crash medical billsHow to decide which insurer pays your crash medical bills firstRead the guide

Towing, storage and getting around

Find out where your car was taken and check towing and storage charges before they grow. Learn how to get your belongings back, decide where the car goes next, and know what limits may apply to a rental car.

Start hereTowing, storage fees and getting around after a serious crashHow to handle towing, storage fees and getting around while your car is outRead the guideTow yard storage fees that keep climbing after a crashHow to stop tow yard storage fees from climbing after a crashRead the guide

Vehicle safety after the crash

Damage you cannot see can still matter. Learn why a damaged electric vehicle battery needs special care and what to tell tow and storage operators. Then see why driver assistance cameras and sensors should be checked after repairs.

Start hereWhat to do with an electric vehicle after a serious crashSafety steps for handling an electric vehicle after a serious crashRead the guideWhy cameras and sensors need checks after crash repairsWhy cameras and sensors need calibration after crash repairsRead the guide

Children, passengers and pregnancy

Each person in the car may need different care. These guides cover children’s symptoms and feelings, replacing car seats, and why anyone who is pregnant should get checked after a crash.

Start hereCaring for children and other passengers after a serious crashHow to look after children's health, feelings and car seats after a crashRead the guidePregnant and in a car crash: get checked right awayWhy an exam matters after any crash in pregnancy and what to ask nextRead the guide

Going home and help at home

Leaving the hospital takes planning. Learn how to follow discharge instructions, medicines and activity limits, and how to set up your home. Caregivers can learn how to share the work and protect their own health.

Start hereGoing home from the hospital after a serious car crashHow to make a safe plan for the move from hospital to homeRead the guideCaregiver strain and healthy limits after a serious car crashHow to share the care, set limits and look after yourself as a caregiverRead the guide

Driving or riding again

Fear in the car is common after a crash, and injuries can change how safely you drive. These guides help you rebuild confidence and check your body and medicines. They also explain when a driving assessment makes sense and other ways to get around until you are ready.

Start hereDriving or riding again after a serious car crashHow to ease back into driving or riding at a pace that feels safeRead the guideChecking if you’re fit to drive after crash injuriesWhat to check before driving again: ability, medicines and safetyRead the guide

More support

Fear, sadness and worry can follow a crash, for the people who were hurt and for those who love them. Our coping and emotional recovery guides can help, and the full library has many more.

Coping and emotional recoveryExplore the full library

These guides offer general education, not medical, legal or insurance advice. Laws and coverage differ by state and by policy. Talk with your own care team, your insurer or a qualified professional about your situation. In an emergency in the United States, call 911.

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Safe Driving Resource Center

Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.

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