Free guide
What to do after a car accident
If you were just in an accident that wasn't your fault, the first hours and days matter most. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide to protect your health and your rights, and you can call us any time for help.
- 1
Get to safety and call the police
- If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Turn on your hazard lights and, if it's safe, move out of traffic.
- Always ask for the police, even for a minor crash. An official police report is a neutral record of what happened and is very valuable later.
- Do not say “sorry” or admit fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the officer. Fault is decided after an investigation, not at the scene.
- 2
Document everything at the scene
- Take photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, the road, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: the other driver's name, phone, address, insurance company and policy number, license number, and vehicle details.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses; independent witnesses are hard for an insurance company to dismiss.
- 3
See a doctor, even if you feel okay
- Adrenaline can hide pain. Injuries like whiplash often don't show symptoms for hours or days: neck stiffness, headaches, back pain, dizziness, or numbness.
- Try to be seen within 48–72 hours. A prompt medical record makes it far harder for an insurer to claim your injuries “aren't serious.”
- Go to every appointment and follow the treatment plan. Gaps and missed visits are used to dispute your injuries.
- 4
Be careful with the insurance companies
- You generally do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer, and doing so can hurt you. It's okay to say you'll call back.
- Don't minimize your injuries (“I'm fine, just sore”), speculate, or admit fault. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that get partial admissions.
- Be wary of a fast, low settlement offer. Once you sign a release, you usually give up the right to any more money, even if your injuries get worse.
- 5
Call us before you settle anything
- Talk to someone who speaks your language and can explain your options, for free, before you agree to anything.
- We'll help you avoid the mistakes that cost accident victims the most, and connect you with a doctor or attorney if you need one.
- It's never too late to call, even if you already spoke to an insurance company.
Terms it helps to know
A few ideas that come up after an accident. Don’t worry about memorizing them; when you call, we’ll explain whatever applies to your situation.
Property damage vs. injury claims
These are usually handled separately: one covers repairing or replacing your vehicle, the other covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
No-fault vs. at-fault states
About a dozen states are “no-fault,” where your own coverage (PIP) pays your medical costs regardless of who caused the crash. Most other states are “at-fault,” where the at-fault driver's insurer pays. Rules vary by state.
Uninsured / underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)
If the driver who hit you has no insurance (or not enough), this coverage on your own policy may still help cover your losses.
Medical liens
Sometimes a health insurer or doctor must be repaid from your settlement for bills they covered. These should be identified and negotiated before you settle.
Please note:This guide is general information to help you, not legal or medical advice. Laws and deadlines (including how long you have to act) vary by state. For advice about your specific situation, talk with a licensed attorney or doctor, and feel free to call us and we’ll help you find one.
Have questions about your accident?
Talk to someone who speaks your language and understands what you're going through. It's free, and you're under no obligation.
Available 24/7, every day · No upfront cost · You pay nothing unless your case wins