Accident response
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Call the other driver's phone number immediately at the scene to verify it connects to their device.
Numbers may no longer exist or be valid by the next day.
- Calling can be used against you in court as an admission of guilt.
one person who lived it
Use a dash cam that records inside the cabin to protect against false claims by passengers or others.
One person lost their car and license after a drunk passenger caused a crash and lied about it.
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Arrange your own tow truck rather than accepting one called by police.
It is reportedly way less expensive; police-called tows charge a lot more.
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If you witness an accident, call for help yourself instead of assuming someone else will.
The bystander effect causes many people to assume others will act.
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Call your insurance agent immediately to let them handle the resolution on your behalf.
This is why you are paying premiums.
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Steer your vehicle to the side and clear the lane after a minor accident.
Failure to do so may affect insurance recovery amounts.
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- Clear traffic lanes immediately after an accident if vehicles are drivable.2
Secure valuables or remove them from the vehicle before it is towed to prevent theft.
Items are frequently stolen after a car has been towed.
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Never agree to out-of-pocket payments or accept checks from the other driver for accident damages.
People may offer cash to avoid involving insurance.
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Do not trust other drivers' verbal assurances of no fault or damage without verification.
People may lie about their responsibility.
- Some people are genuinely trustworthy and willing to handle things personally.
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Move both vehicles out of traffic if they are drivable, after taking photos.
Leaving vehicles where they are obstructs traffic and slows it down.
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Take photos of all damage and write down details immediately to ensure you do not forget them.
A written log helps when explaining what happened to the insurance company.
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- Document all damage with photos to protect against inflated future claims.1
In a genuine accident, make your first reaction concern for others' well-being.
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Remove the SD card and unplug the dash cam immediately after an accident to preserve footage.
Many devices overwrite warnings or data if no card is present when powered on.
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Never speak directly to the opposing party's insurance company; have them communicate with your own insurer instead.
They may record your statements and twist your words to assign fault to you.
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Wear a reflective vest to appear more authoritative when directing traffic if you are a large person.
One person reported that the vest combined with their size conveyed authority.
- Based on one individual's experience as a large person.
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Always request a police report for any accident.
The report creates an official record of fault and is recorded on vehicle history reports.
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Exchange information with the other party at the scene.
Failure to do so may result in losing contact with the other party indefinitely.
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Locate nearby cameras and request the footage immediately.
Footage is often overwritten within 2-3 weeks.
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Record video of the immediate surroundings, including traffic light colors and license plates.
It may form evidence.
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Call emergency services yourself rather than assuming someone else has.
Many people pass by assuming notification has already occurred.
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Stop immediately and take photos of the scene before moving vehicles, unless safety requires moving them first.
Lack of evidence can lead to joint liability if the other party lies about what happened.
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Provide details to the police rather than directly to the other driver.
The police report will contain everyone's information.
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Immediately record an audio file or write down details of an accident while witnessing it to preserve accurate memories before they fade or change.
Memory is delicate and can become inaccurate over time; detailed testimony can impact outcomes.
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- Write down specific details of the accident immediately, including date, time, weather, and vehicle models.1
Do not assume a minor collision caused no damage; have your vehicle checked by a professional to ensure safety and meet legal reporting obligations.
The average person cannot determine internal bumper damage, which can compromise vehicle safety, and some jurisdictions require reporting.
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Be prepared for snippy or annoyed responses from dispatchers when reporting accidents.
Operators may have already received multiple calls about the incident.
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