First, stay calm and check people
Even a low-speed collision is a shock. Take a moment, then check yourself and your passengers. Some injuries, such as neck or back strain, may not be obvious at first. If anyone seems hurt, is in pain, is unconscious or if you are unsure, call emergency services. Do not move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger such as fire.
Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and keep your seat belt on until you have decided what to do.
Make the scene safe
- If the cars can be driven and it is safe and legal, move them to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot. In some places the law requires this for minor collisions without injuries. In others, you may be asked to leave cars where they are if the police are coming. If in doubt, ask the emergency operator.
- If the cars cannot move, leave the hazard lights on, and get yourself and passengers out on the side away from traffic, then wait somewhere safe, such as behind a barrier.
- Be careful about standing between cars or near traffic lanes. Many injuries occur after the collision from passing vehicles.
- If you see smoke, fuel leaks or fire, move well away and call for help.
If you are on a fast road, the safety advice in the article on highway breakdowns applies here too.
Decide whether to call the police
Whether police must be called varies by place, damage and whether anyone is hurt. In general, call when:
- Anyone is injured or says they may be.
- The damage is significant, or the roadway is blocked.
- You suspect the other driver is impaired, has no license or insurance, or behaves aggressively.
- The other driver leaves, refuses to share details or there is a dispute about what happened.
- A pedestrian, cyclist, public property or a parked unattended car is involved.
- Local law requires a report above a certain damage amount.
Even where it is optional, an official report can be useful for an insurance claim. Ask the officer for the report number and how to obtain a copy.
Exchange information
Share and collect these details politely:
- Full name, phone number and address.
- Driver’s license number, if required locally.
- Insurance company and policy number.
- Vehicle make, model, color and license plate.
- Names and contact details of any passengers and witnesses.
- Location of the collision and time.
Write them down or photograph documents if the other driver agrees. Provide the same information about yourself, but you do not need to share more than is required.
Document the scene
Take photos of all vehicles from several angles, the damage up close, license plates, the road layout, signs, weather and anything that affected the collision. Write a brief note of what happened while you remember it. The article on documenting an accident for an insurance claim explains this stage in more detail. If you have a dash cam, save the footage.
Be careful what you say
Be courteous and factual. Avoid saying “it was my fault” or speculating about blame at the scene. You may not have all the facts, and your insurer or the police will determine fault under local rules. Do not argue, and do not sign anything other than a police form or exchange of details. If the other driver suggests settling privately with cash, think carefully. Hidden damage and later injuries can mean the real cost is higher than it looks, and your insurance policy may require you to report even if you do not claim.
If you feel threatened, get back in your car, lock the doors and call the police.
Get medical advice if needed
Adrenaline can hide pain. If you develop pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness or other symptoms in the following hours or days, see a medical professional and keep records. Mention the collision. Do not assume a minor impact means no injury.
Notify your insurer
Contact your insurer soon after, even if you plan not to claim. Many policies require prompt notice. Have the information you collected ready. They will tell you what to do next, and what to expect is covered in the article on how a claim is handled. Check your insurance deductible to see how much you would pay for repairs. Your premium may or may not be affected, depending on the policy and the circumstances, so ask if it concerns you.
If the other driver was at fault, you may also report to their insurer, but it is usually better to coordinate through your own insurer or follow its advice.
Getting the car checked
Damage can be deeper than it looks. A small dent in a bumper can hide cracked mounts, damaged sensors or bent structure. Warning lights after an impact, pulling to one side, new noises or a deployed airbag all mean the car should be inspected before continued use. After an airbag deployment, a professional should check the safety systems. Ask for a written estimate before authorizing repairs, and consider getting more than one.
If the car cannot be driven, you may need a tow. Ask the questions in the article on how towing works, and check whether your roadside assistance or insurance covers it.
Afterward
Keep a folder for photos, the report number, the claim number, receipts and notes of calls. Back up your photos. Follow up on any pending steps. If there is a dispute, stay with the facts and rely on the insurer’s process.
Reporting duties, thresholds and fault rules differ by country and state, so confirm what applies where you live with your insurer or the local authority.