What To Do After a Car Accident

Taking the right steps after being involved in a car accident is key to protecting your physical health and financial well-being. From remaining calm to documenting the scene, we’ve gathered eight things you should do immediately after an accident.
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Reviewed By:
Ben Ewbank
Ben Ewbank,Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing
Ben Ewbank
Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing at The Hartford.
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Updated: 02/02/2026
Read Time: 8 minutes
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Key Takeaways

  • The first thing to do after a car accident is make sure you, your passengers and the people in the other car are okay. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately.
  • If you can, move to a safe location away from the road while you call help services, including 911, the police or your insurance company to file a claim or get roadside assistance.
  • Exchange information with the other driver and document the scene thoroughly so you have the details you need to file a claim and get help.

What To Do After an Accident

Wondering what to do after a car accident? At The Hartford, we understand accidents happen. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you navigate through it all, from getting yourself to safety on the scene to filing a claim with your car insurance company.
 

8 Steps To Take After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be stressful, but knowing what to do immediately after can help you get back on the road as quickly and easily as possible. To learn more, we’ve compiled what steps to take after a car accident.
 

1. Remain Calm and Check Yourself for Injuries

When you’re in a car accident, it’s important to first remain calm. Then, you should check for injuries. If you’re injured, call 911 immediately or ask someone else to do so. Try not to move as you’re waiting for emergency personnel.
Keep in mind that sometimes adrenaline may dull the effects of pain, so you might not realize immediately that you’re injured. If an injury becomes apparent in the following days, you should seek medical treatment.
 

2. Check on Your Passengers and the Occupants of the Other Vehicle

If you’re not seriously injured, check on other passengers in your car. You may also check on the occupants of the other car involved in the accident. Call 911 immediately if you notice that anyone is injured.
 

3. Move to a Safe Location

After you check for injuries, make sure you’re physically out of harm’s way. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe spot, like the side of the road. If you’re not able to move your car, don’t stay with it on the road as this could be very dangerous. Instead, leave your vehicle where it is and go to a safe location. You can turn on your car’s hazard lights to make it more apparent to other drivers and help prevent other accidents.
 

4. Call 911

After you get to safety, call 911 immediately, even if the accident is minor. Once the police arrive, they will fill out an accident report. You may be asked to provide a copy of this report to your car insurance company when you submit a claim, so be sure to keep it for your records.
 
If you’re not able to contact the police directly, you can go to your nearest station to file a police report in person.
 

5. Wait for Help To Arrive

Wait for help to arrive at the scene of the accident. However, you should be wary of potential scams, like bandit tow trucks. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, these are tow trucks that show up to the scene even though you didn’t call them.2 Bandit tow trucks persuade drivers to have their vehicles towed to a repair shop, often charging very large fees. These repair facilities are usually dishonest and may hold cars hostage until a payment is made to release the vehicle.
Tip:
To avoid potential scams, you can have the police call a tow truck or call your insurer to see if you have roadside assistance benefits. The Hartford’s customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re protected with 24/7 roadside assistance services, including a network of 40,000 towing services across the United States.
 

6. Exchange Information With the Other Drivers

Gather information about the other driver involved in the car accident. Some key pieces of information you should exchange include:
 
  • Full names and contact information from other parties
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Driver’s license number and license plate number
  • Location of the car accident
  • Type, make and model of your car and the other vehicle involved in the accident

7. Document the Accident Scene

To document the scene, follow these steps after a car accident:
 
  • Take photos: Take multiple photos from various angles of your vehicle damage and any other vehicles involved in the accident.
  • Write down names of police officers: Make sure you document information about the responding police officer, including their name and badge number. If there are multiple officers at the scene, take down their information as well.
  • Get a report: Ask the responding officer where you can get a copy of the police report.
  • Talk to witnesses: If there are witnesses to the accident, speak with them and gather their contact information.

8. Notify Your Agent or Insurance Company

After an accident, you should notify your auto insurance company or insurance agent as soon as possible to start the collision claims process. If you’re a customer of The Hartford, you can call our specialists at 877-805-9918 to file a claim. They are available 24/7 to answer your questions and assist you through the process. You can also file an auto insurance claim online or through The Hartford mobile app.
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What To Do After a Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault

Even if you’re not at fault in an auto accident, it’s still a good idea to submit a claim to your insurance provider, especially if you live in a no-fault state. These states require each driver to file a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident.

What To Do After a Car Accident That Is Your Fault

If you’re at fault in an accident, it’s important to file a claim with your insurance company. Most states are at-fault states, which means they require the person responsible for the accident to pay for damages.
 
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), you should avoid discussing who is at fault for the accident at this time.3 Insurance companies typically determine who is at fault.
 

Get a Fast and Free Quote for AARP Auto Insurance From The Hartford

Knowing what to do in a car accident can help make the experience less stressful, especially when you also have car insurance you can count on. For over 40 years, The Hartford has proudly offered the only auto insurance endorsed by AARP, complete with customizable coverage options and exclusive AARP member benefits to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
 
To learn more about AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford,1 call 888-546-9099 or get a quote online today.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Happens After a Car Accident

When filing an insurance claim, the III recommends following these tips:4
 
  • Contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you file a claim, the easier it will be to remember the details of the accident.
  • Use a mobile app to streamline your claims process. This allows you to submit claim documentation quickly and right at your fingertips. If you’re a customer of The Hartford, you can file a claim via our mobile app.
  • Check on the timing of your claim. Be sure to confirm key deadlines from your insurer regarding your claim.
Typically, you aren’t required by law to file a claim after an accident. However, if you choose not to submit a claim, you should be prepared in case the other driver involved in the accident files a claim with their own insurance company. Without filing a claim, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any expenses from the accident.
Your car insurance rates may be impacted after an accident. Typically, this depends on the severity of the accident and your prior driving history.
 
Accident forgiveness can also help keep costs down after a car accident. This optional car insurance benefit gives safe drivers a break when they have a one-time accident by reducing their collision deductible.‡
           If you get into a car accident and file a claim, your car insurance company will use information from an appraisal company and an adjuster to determine a car’s value. If the repair costs more than your car’s actual cash value (ACV), then your car is considered totaled. In this case, you’ll receive the sum of its ACV to help you replace it.

Related Articles

 
 
2 National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB), “Avoid Auto Repair Scams.”
 
3 Insurance Information Institute (III), “What To Do at the Scene of an Accident.”
 
4 Insurance Information Institute (III), “How To File an Auto Insurance Claim.”
** Average annual savings are based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford’s newest rate plan between 9/1/24 and 8/31/25. Average auto insurance savings $597 and average home insurance savings $366. Your savings may vary. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
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