Published: June 2025
Car accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, even to the most cautious drivers. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision, being aware of the steps to take right after the accident is the most important thing to do to ensure your health, legal rights, and insurance coverage are protected.
In this article, you will learn about the actions that should be taken immediately after a car accident in the USA, in particular when it comes to making an insurance claim.
🚨 Step 1: Secure Everyone First
If possible, make sure that you and your passengers are all right. In case of a severe accident or a person injured:
- Immediately dial 911
- Ask for medical help and police
- Don’t move other casualties if you’re in urgent need
If your car has minor damage and is in a drivable condition, move it to the side of the road to keep it from obstructing traffic.
📞 Step 2: Get in touch with the Police
Even though you can’t figure out what caused the accident completely, you should still notify the police. An official report will aid in the processing of your insurance claim and is just a good idea.
In several states, if there are injuries or damages above a specific value, the police must be called, as it is for most legal regulations.
📸 Step 3: Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
While you’re at the scene of the accident, collect as much evidence as you can:
- Take pictures of all the vehicles from various points of view
- Each car should have a photo, along with the license plates and any visible damages
- Write down the names and contacts of the drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Swap insurance information with the other driver(s)
Never say that the fault is yours — better just stick to the facts.
📝 Step 4: File an Accident Report (if required)
In some states, drivers are obliged to deliver a formal accident report within a certain timeframe. Find out if the police or the DMV have posted their requirements on their websites or whether you should go to the police station and inquire in person.
📁 Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Get in touch with your insurance company right away — preferably within the first 24 hours after the mishap.
These are examples of what you should give them:
- The police report number (if available)
- Pictures and notes from the accident site
- Contact information of all involved parties
- A detailed narrative of the incident
Tell the truth, but don’t make any guesses or confess to anything.
💰 Step 6: Understand Your Coverage
Each policy has its own terms. Your insurer will walk you through the part of the policy which is taken care of:
| Type of Coverage | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Liability | Damage or injury you caused to others |
| Collision | Damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault |
| Comprehensive | Non-collision damage (e.g., theft, fire, weather) |
| Uninsured Motorist | If the other driver doesn’t have insurance |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Medical expenses for you and your passengers |
🔧 Step 7: Arrange for a vehicle safety check
The insurance company can ask you to get your vehicle inspected by their partner garage. Also, they may opt to come to your place or use picture-based estimates.
📅 Step 8: Find Out What’s Happening with Your Claim
Once you’ve placed your claim, you would definitely be wise to keep in contact with your claims representative. Request the dates, the contact details of the repair shop as well as the next phases of handling the issue. In addition, ensure that you are storing receipts, emails, and claim forms in one location to stay organized.