11 Important Steps to Take After a Car Crash

“Check the impact to the car: Was it on the front side, driver’s side, rear? It’s easiest to do that by taking a photo of the entire car and close-up photos of the damages for both your car and the other party.”

Record the date and time of the accident, and photograph or take video of the entire scene of the accident, including skid marks or property damage. Note street names and the direction each vehicle was heading both before and after the accident.

“One thing that often gets missed is the position of the cars [relative] to the street. This is critical information because it helps the adjuster re-create the accident when you report the claim,” Luna says.

Sketch a diagram of the crash scene, either by hand or by using an app such as AccidentSketch.com or SmartDraw.com. Using the voice memo app on your phone, dictate what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind. Include information about the weather and visibility.

6. Avoid roadside discussions about responsibility

Years ago, Denise Schipani, 57, and her son were stopped at a traffic light near her home in Huntington Station, New York, when a car slammed into theirs from behind.

“We were jerked forward, and I braked hard, stopping just as I touched the bumper of the car in front of me,” she says. “In that moment, I had no idea what happened, and I remember being confused that there were little pieces of black stuff all over the back seat. Turns out the back window had shattered. We were shaking, but no one was hurt.”

Schipani put on her hazard lights, double-checked that her son was OK and called 911.

“Then I approached the other driver. He tried to blame wet leaves on the road, but there were none,” she says. “Clearly, it was a case of him accelerating while distracted.”

Schipani correctly chose not to argue. Emotions can run high after a car accident, so if you believe the other driver is impaired or aggressive, trust your instincts, Luna advises.

“Stay in your car and don’t interact with the person, because a police intervention might be necessary,” he says.

7. Call a tow truck if needed

Depending on how much damage your car sustained, it may need to be towed to a collision repair center, Luna says. Many people have motor club memberships, and roadside assistance is one of the benefits. The police may call a tow truck company, and some car manufacturers offer driver assistance programs.

Don’t assume a tow truck that magically shows up at the crash is reputable; always verify its credentials and take down all contact information, Luna adds.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau details several towing scams to watch out for, including ones that take your car to a location and hold it until you pay a hefty fee.

8. Call your insurance company

Though it may be tempting to negotiate a cash deal to avoid making an insurance claim, not notifying your insurance company after a crash can leave you liable for damages stemming from the accident.

Schipani’s insurance agent pronounced her car a total loss — the cost of potential repairs outstripped the car’s value. Then, she learned the driver who had hit her had rock-bottom insurance coverage.

“They said it was possible to try to extract money from him, but it would be better for them to handle the claim,” she says. “My advice is to never leave the scene — even for a minor fender bender — without a police report, especially if it’s clearly and obviously not your fault.”

In cases like Schipani’s, your insurance claims professional can help you navigate your options.

“If the other person’s insurance isn’t sufficient to cover your damages, your insurance professional can check your policy for any coverage that might address that,” Luna says.

For example, if your insurance company deems you were not at fault, it may have a liability waiver so you don’t pay your deductible.

9. Take the high-tech route

Many insurers offer virtual tools such as a mobile phone app to allow you to begin the claims process online. Check your proof of insurance card for instructions or call the toll-free phone number.

Forbes recently compiled a list of major insurance companies’ online claims procedures, so drivers can have the information handy.

Your insurance company will ask for lots of information about the accident, and may even prompt you to use a remote inspection tool via your smartphone.

Beyond documenting crash details, some insurers can send a tow truck, arrange a rental car or provide other roadside assistance through the app.

Stay in contact with your insurance company after reporting an accident, and keep all your accident-related documents organized as you work with your adjuster to process your claim, Luna says.

10. See your doctor

You may feel perfectly fine right after an accident, but some injuries become apparent only after a day or two. You can sustain serious head or spinal injuries from a minor impact, so visit your doctor if you experience pain or unusual symptoms.

Injuries resulting from a crash are usually included in your auto insurance claim, so it’s important to document any physical harm stemming from the accident.

11. Be proactive

It’s easier to remain calm after an accident when you’re prepared. Luna suggests downloading your insurance company’s app or forms that guide you through the insurance claim process.

Designate a spot in your car to keep your registration, proof of insurance card, contact information and a list of key things you need to remember at the scene of an accident.

“These things don’t come naturally to people, so having a checklist right at hand will help you navigate the process,” Luna says.

Another way to be prepared: Avoid accidents to begin with by making sure you know the rules of the road, says Josh Dunning, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety. He recommends AARP’s Smart Driver course, which is designed to be a refresher defensive driving course for drivers over 50. Knowing how to handle tricky driving situations like roundabouts and being aware of any changing factors that could affect your driving are crucial to avoiding accidents, he says.

“Keeping up with the changes of the driving landscape is a key component to safe driving and preventing crashes. Vehicles, roads, laws and our bodies can change so much in the span of a few years.”