What to do in the first 60 minutes after a car accident

How you handle the first hour after a car accident significantly affects your claim outcome. We’ve talked with adjusters who’ve handled thousands of claims, and the same mistakes show up over and over.

This is a playbook, in order.

Minute 0-5: Make sure everyone is safe

1. Check yourself for injuries. Adrenaline can mask serious injury. If anything feels wrong, sit still.
2. Check other vehicles and pedestrians. Call 911 if anyone is injured. Don’t move someone with a possible neck or back injury unless there’s an immediate further danger (fire, traffic).
3. Move vehicles to safety if drivable and you’re blocking traffic. Hazard lights on. Otherwise, leave them where they are — moving evidence can complicate the police report.
4. Get out of the road. Stand behind a guardrail or on the shoulder, not in active lanes.

Minute 5-15: Call the police and document

5. Call the police, even for minor accidents. A police report is critical for the claim. Some jurisdictions won’t dispatch for fender-benders with no injuries — in that case, ask whether you can file a report at the station.

6. Photograph everything, before anything moves:

   • All vehicles, from multiple angles
   • License plates of all vehicles
   • The damage on each vehicle, close-up
   • The accident scene, wide angles
   • Skid marks, debris, road conditions
   • Street signs, traffic signals, intersection layout
   • Weather and lighting conditions
   • Injuries you can see

7. Note the time, weather, road conditions in writing or via voice memo on your phone. Memory fades fast under stress.

Minute 15-30: Exchange information

8. Exchange the standard info with all involved parties:

   • Full name and contact info
   • Driver’s license number and state
   • Insurance carrier name and policy number
   • Vehicle make, model, year, color
   • License plate

9. Photograph their insurance card and license if they’ll let you. Most people will. If they refuse, write everything down.

10. Collect witness contact info. If anyone saw the accident, get their name and phone number. Witnesses fade away within minutes if you don’t capture them.

11. Do NOT discuss fault. Don’t say “I’m sorry” — in some jurisdictions, that’s treated as an admission. Don’t speculate about who caused what. Just exchange facts.

Minute 30-60: After the immediate scene

12. Get a copy of the police report (or the report number for later pickup). The report typically takes 3-10 business days to finalize.

13. Get medical attention if there’s any chance you’re hurt. Adrenaline can mask neck, back, and head injuries for hours. If you start feeling pain or stiffness even days later, get checked. Document the medical visit.

14. Call your insurer. Most major carriers have 24/7 claims lines and apps. Even if you don’t plan to file a claim yourself (i.e., the other driver was at fault), report it.

15. Save all receipts for everything related to the accident: tow service, rental car, medical visits, prescriptions, repair estimates.

Common mistakes that hurt claims

• Admitting fault at the scene. Determining fault is the insurer’s job, not yours. State facts only.
• Accepting the other driver’s offer to “handle it without insurance”. Even minor-looking accidents can have hidden costs (medical, hidden vehicle damage). Always report.
• Settling too quickly. The other driver’s insurer may offer a fast settlement that seems generous. It often isn’t — especially for injuries that haven’t fully manifested. Don’t sign anything until you understand your full damages.
• Not getting medical attention quickly. Insurers can argue that injuries weren’t from the accident if you didn’t report them until days later.
• Talking to the other driver’s insurer without preparation. They may call asking for a “recorded statement” — you’re not obligated to give one. Speak with your own insurer first; consider an attorney for serious injury claims.
• Posting on social media about the accident. Insurers monitor social media for claim investigations. A casual “I’m fine, just shaken up” post can be used to dispute injury claims.

What to expect from the claims process

• Day 1-3: Your insurer assigns an adjuster, who contacts you for details.
• Day 3-10: Vehicle inspection (in person, app-based, or via repair shop). Initial damage estimate.
• Day 10-30: Repairs begin once approved. Rental car coverage typically kicks in here.
• Day 30-90: Final settlement, including any injury claims (which often take longer).

If injuries are involved, the timeline can extend significantly. Personal injury settlements typically wait until you’ve reached “maximum medical improvement” — meaning the doctors have a clear picture of your long-term prognosis.

When to involve an attorney

For minor accidents with no injuries, you generally don’t need a lawyer. For accidents with significant injuries, contested fault, or major property damage, an attorney can:

• Negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer
• Ensure all damages (current and future medical, lost wages, pain and suffering) are accounted for
• Handle communication so you don’t accidentally hurt your claim

Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency (no fee unless you win), so the consultation is usually free.

The big picture

The first hour after an accident is a high-stress, low-decision-quality window. Following a checklist removes the need to make good decisions in real time — you just execute the next step.

Save this article. Better: save a shorter version as a note on your phone. The information is most useful when you don’t need it yet.