What should I do after a car accident?

Safety. NAIC says safety is the priority after a collision: call 911 if someone is injured, and move a drivable car out of traffic if you can do so safely. Triple-I says to tend to people first and make sure everyone is okay, pull to the side of the road if possible, and "Don't leave the scene of the accident." AAA South Jersey says the same: if no one is hurt and the car can still be driven, safely move it away from traffic, and do not leave the scene.

Triple-I says to alert the police, especially after serious accidents or injuries, to get the officers' names and badge numbers, and to ask how to get a copy of the report. If officers do not come, it says to file an incident report with the nearest police department or online. NAIC says to get the officer's name, badge number and contact information, and ask when and where to get the accident report and its number. New York's DFS says: "promptly report it to your insurance company, as well as to the local police department."

NAIC says to get the other driver's name, address, and insurance company's name and phone number (on the proof-of-insurance card), or the driver's license and license plate number if that is not possible, and to share the same about yourself. Triple-I adds the names and contact details of everyone involved, including witnesses, the other drivers' licenses, registrations and insurance cards, and the makes and models.

NAIC lists the other car's make, model, year and plate; witnesses' names and contact details; the time, date and exact location; skid marks, weather and road conditions; and says to "take a photo or sketch a diagram of the accident scene." Triple-I says to check the damage after everyone is safe and, "if possible, take pictures." For photos and notes, see our guide on what photos and notes to take after a car accident.

NAIC says to call the number on your proof-of-insurance card "as soon as possible." Triple-I says to notify your insurance professional as soon as possible. It adds that many insurer apps let you upload photos when you report, and that you should keep thorough, organized records, including the names and numbers of everyone you speak with and copies of bills. NAIC also says to keep notes of dates and conversations with your agent or adjuster.

The sources read for this page do not say what to say, or not say, to the other driver or the insurer, so this page does not either. Deadlines and what a policy covers (rental, towing, deductible) depend on your policy and your insurer, and the sources say to check the policy.

• Is everyone safe, and has anyone needed medical care?
• Have the police been called, and where do I get the report?
• Did I get the other driver's name, insurance and plate, and any witnesses?
• Have I told my insurer?
• Where am I keeping my photos, notes and the police report number?