# Car accident: what to do right after > Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Swap names, phones and insurance, take photos, get a police report, and call your insurance soon. See a doctor even if you feel okay. - URL: https://explained.page/car-accident - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=car-accident ## Step by step 1. **Two cars just bumped.** Take a breath. Here’s what to do, step by step. 2. **Is anyone hurt? Call 911 right away.** Also call if the cars are blocking traffic, or if the other driver tries to leave. 3. **Swap information.** Name, phone, insurance company, policy number and license plate. 4. **Take photos before anything moves.** Both cars, the license plates, the street, traffic signs and any injuries. 5. **Stay calm. Don’t argue.** Don’t say it was your fault. Let the police and insurance sort it out. 6. **Get a police report.** Write down the report number and the officer’s name. 7. **Call your insurance company soon.** Some policies have short deadlines. Stick to the facts. 8. **See a doctor, even if you feel okay.** Some injuries, like whiplash, show up days later. 9. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. 10. **Do you need a lawyer?** Hurt, missing work, or getting a low offer? A free call with an injury lawyer can help. ## Checklist - Check that everyone is okay - Call 911 if anyone is hurt - Move to safety if you can - Swap names, phones, insurance and plates - Take photos - Get a police report number - Call your insurance company - See a doctor ## At the scene - Check on everyone. If anyone is hurt, call 911. - If the cars can move and no one is hurt, move out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. - Swap names, phone numbers, insurance company and policy number, and license plates. - Take photos of both cars, the plates, the street and any injuries. - Stay calm and stick to the facts. Don’t argue about whose fault it was. ## After you leave Get the police report number. Call your insurance company soon, because some policies have short deadlines. See a doctor, even if you feel okay; some injuries show up days later. ## Do you need a lawyer? For a small fender bender with no injuries, usually not. If you were hurt, missed work, or the insurance company is offering too little, a free call with an injury lawyer can help. Most only get paid if you win. ## Common questions ### Do I have to call the police after a small accident? Rules depend on your state, but a police report helps with insurance and protects you. Call if anyone is hurt or the other driver won’t cooperate. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/do-i-have-to-call-the-police-after-a-small-accident ### Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? You can give basic facts, but be careful about recorded statements. Many people talk to their own insurance or a lawyer first. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/should-i-talk-to-the-other-drivers-insurance-company ### Should I move my car after an accident? If no one is hurt and the cars still drive, many states expect you to move out of traffic. If it’s safe, snap a few quick photos first. If anyone is hurt or a car won’t move, stay put and call 911. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/should-i-move-my-car-after-an-accident ### Do I have to call the police for a small accident? It depends on your state. Many states require a report when someone is hurt or damage is over a set amount. Even when it isn’t required, a police report makes your insurance claim much easier. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/do-i-have-to-call-the-police-for-a-small-accident ### What should I not say after a car accident? Don’t say “it was my fault” or guess about what happened. Be polite, check on everyone, and stick to facts when you talk to the other driver and the police. Fault is decided later. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/what-should-i-not-say-after-a-car-accident ### Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after a crash? Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, show up hours or days later. A visit also creates a record that links any injury to the crash. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/should-i-see-a-doctor-if-i-feel-fine-after-a-crash ### How long do I have to file an insurance claim? Tell your insurer as soon as you can; most policies require prompt notice. The deadline to file a lawsuit for injuries is set by state law and is often two to three years, but it varies. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/how-long-do-i-have-to-file-an-insurance-claim ### What if the other driver has no insurance? Your uninsured motorist coverage may pay for injuries, and in some states for car damage. Collision coverage can also fix your car, minus your deductible. Always get a police report. Source page: https://explained.page/car-accident/questions/what-if-the-other-driver-has-no-insurance ## Official sources - [NHTSA: road safety](https://www.nhtsa.gov/) - [USA.gov: state motor vehicle services](https://www.usa.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your city] police accident report request" - "[your state] department of insurance complaint" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.