Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After a Car Accident

An accident can be a scary and confusing experience. When things have just happened and you
are in shock, it’s hard to know what to do first. But taking the right steps right away can protect
your well-being, your rights, and help ensure things go more smoothly later. This is true
whether you are dealing with the insurance company, facing medical bills, or navigating worst-
case legal proceedings.

Below is a step-by-step guide that a law firm recommends after a car accident. If you ever find
yourself in this situation, refer back to this; it could make a big difference.

Step 1: First, check for injuries and call for help if needed

Safety comes first
1. Check yourself to see if you’re hurt. Some injuries aren’t obvious immediately
2. If you are seriously injured, or anyone else is, call 911. Even if you’re unsure, getting
medical attention right away is important, both for your health and for documenting
your injuries later.
3. Try not to move if you suspect serious injuries (neck, back, head) until help arrives.

Step 2: See how everyone else is doing at the scene

If you’re able, check on your passengers and any bystanders involved.
1. If someone else is hurt, call emergency services or ask someone nearby to call.
2. Assist where you can, but don’t put yourself in danger doing so.

Step 3: Move to a safe place if you can

1. Move your car to the side of the road.
2. If you can’t move the car (because damage is too severe or it’s unsafe), make sure
everyone is out of harm’s way.
3. Turn on hazard lights.

Step 4: Call the Police (always)

Even for what seems like a minor crash, you should call the police.
1. The responding officers will document the scene, which is very helpful for insurance
and legal purposes.
2. If police can’t come to the scene of the accident (sometimes for small accidents), you
might need to go to the station or otherwise file an accident report.
3. Get the name and badge number of the officers who respond. Ask how to get a copy
of the police report.

Step 5: Document the scene

While you wait for help or after it’s safe, gather evidence. Things to do:
1. Take photos: The more, the better. Vehicles from different angles, damage close up,
license plates, skid marks, surroundings (road signs, traffic lights, lighting, weather
conditions), and any visible injuries.
2. Write down notes: Your memory may fade, so note right away what you remember
about how it happened (where cars were, which direction, speed if known, road
conditions).
3. Talk to witnesses: If there are people who saw the crash, ask for their names and
contact info. Their account may be helpful later.

Step 6: Exchange information

1. Exchange information with the other driver(s) including: full name, contact
information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license and license plate
number, and vehicle’s make/model/color.
2. If the law enforcement is present, get the report number.
3. Avoid talking about who was at fault. Don’t say “sorry” in a way that could be taken
as admitting blame. Stick to facts when speaking with others.

Step 7: Notify your insurance company and begin the claim process

Don’t delay reporting the accident to your insurer. Insurance policies usually require prompt
notice.
1. When you notify, give them the basic facts: date, time, place, what happened as you
saw it, details of damage, injuries, etc.
2. Send them any photos or reports you have when asked.
3. Make sure they know about all damages.

Step 8: Seek medical care (even if you feel okay)

Even if no injury feels severe at first:
1. Some injuries show up hours or days later. Whiplash, internal injuries, concussion are
some examples.
2. Seeing a doctor right after the accident helps in two ways: one, for your health; two, it
creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash. That can be very
important in insurance or legal claims.

Step 9: Keep records of everything

This includes:
1. Medical records and bills
2. Repair estimates or receipts
3. Lost wages (if you miss work)
4. All correspondence with insurance companies (emails, letters, call logs)
5. Copies of the police report and any expert reports
Having a folder (physical or digital) helps keep all this in one place.

Step 10: Know your legal steps and consult an attorney when needed

Sometimes, even with good insurance, things aren’t simple. You may need legal help in cases
like:
1. Serious injury or long-term effects
2. When fault is disputed or unclear
3. If the insurance company denies your claim or offers less than you believe is fair
4. When you have large expenses (medical, lost income, property damage)
A good personal injury attorney can help you understand:
1. What compensation you may be entitled to (medical costs, property damage, lost
wages, pain and suffering, etc.)
2. How state laws (like the statute of limitations) limit how long you have to bring a
claim.
3. Whether it makes sense to settle or whether you should take the case further.

Step 11: Check state-specific legal or DMV reporting obligations

Each state has different rules. Some require you to report certain accidents to the Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar, especially if:
1. There are injuries
2. Damage exceeds a certain dollar amount
3. There’s a death
Check your state’s DMV or motor vehicle agency for what’s required. Failing to comply can
cause legal complications.

Indiana BMV requires an accident report for crashes involving injury, death, or property
damage exceeding $1,000 within 10 days, usually submitted by law enforcement.

Car accidents are stressful but doing the right steps early can protect you from bigger problems
later. Your well-being is the top priority. Then, gather as much evidence as you can, document
everything, notify your insurer, and get good legal advice when the situation calls for it.
If you have any questions or need help protecting your personal injury claim, please contact
McNeelyLaw LLP by calling (317) 825-5110.

This McNeelyLaw LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion of
any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only,
and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning
your situation.