What to Do After an Auto Accident or Collision

A collision is almost always a stressful experience, but even so, it’s important to remember what to do – and more importantly, what NOT to do. Here’s a quick guideline to help you know what to do after an accident.

  • Be prepared with pen and paper in the glove compartment that lists any relevant medical information for you and your family members.
  • Keep a bag in the trunk with a set of cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares. These can help alert and manage traffic immediately after a collision.

Immediately After an Accident

Stay calm and check for injuries. Call an ambulance if there’s any possibility of injury.

In a minor accident, move cars out of traffic to a safer place, like the side of the road.

Turn vehicle hazard lights on and use cones, warning triangles, or flares to alert oncoming traffic

Call the police – even in a minor accident.

Immediately After an Accident

Stay calm and check for injuries. Call an ambulance if there’s any possibility of injury.

In a minor accident, move cars out of traffic to a safer place, like the side of the road.

Turn vehicle hazard lights on and use cones, warning triangles, or flares to alert oncoming traffic

Call the police – even in a minor accident.

Additional Tips

  • Make immediate notes about your accident. Include specific damages to vehicles and take down witness information, including contact details.

  • Do not sign any documents unless they are for the police or your insurance agent.

  • If the vehicle is registered to a person different from the driver, take note of the relationship to the driver.

  • If the vehicle is registered to a person different from the driver, take note of the relationship to the driver.

  • Don’t leave the accident scene before other drivers and the police do.