What to Do After a Car Accident

If you’re reading this right now from the scene of an accident, take a breath. Make sure you and anyone with you are safe. Then call 911 if anyone is hurt. Everything else can wait.

If you’re reading this beforehand to be prepared (good move), here’s exactly what to do, in order. We’ll keep this short because in the moment, you won’t want to read paragraphs.

Move your vehicle out of traffic if it’s drivable and safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights. If your car can’t move, get yourself and any passengers out and stay away from the roadway. Stand somewhere visible but safe, such as a sidewalk, a parking lot, or a grass shoulder.

If anyone is hurt or you’re not sure whether they’re hurt, call 911 immediately. Don’t move injured people unless they’re in immediate danger from the vehicle.

Call the police even if the accident seems minor. A police report creates an official record of what happened, who was involved, and (often) who was at fault. That record matters when you file a claim. In Texas and California, the law generally requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

If the other driver suggests handling it without police involvement, don’t. It’s nearly always against your interest, even if it sounds simpler.

While you wait for the police, exchange information with the other driver(s). You need:

• Their full name

• Their phone number

• Their driver’s license number

• Their insurance company name and policy number

• Their license plate number

• The make, model, and color of their vehicle

Use your phone to take photos. Lots of photos. The damage to both vehicles from multiple angles. The license plates. The other driver’s insurance card if they’ll let you. The scene itself, including skid marks, debris, street signs, traffic signals, weather conditions.

If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Witness statements matter when fault is disputed.

This one is hard, especially if you’re shaken up or the other driver is upset. Don’t apologize. Don’t say “I didn’t see you.” Don’t agree that anything was your fault. You may not have all the information. The insurance companies and (sometimes) the police will determine fault based on evidence.

Be polite. Exchange information. Confirm everyone is okay. Then stop talking about the accident itself.

If your vehicle has visible damage, leaking fluids, deployed airbags, or anything that makes you unsure it’s drivable, don’t drive it. Call a tow truck or ask the responding officer about the local tow service. Trying to drive a damaged car home can turn a fixable accident into a totaled vehicle, or worse.

Save the tow receipt and any towing-related charges. Your insurance policy may cover them.

This is where A-MAX customers should call us. For all A-MAX claims, the fastest way to reach us is:

• Call us at 1-800-979-AMAX

• Walk into any A-MAX office during business hours

• Visit Make a Claim to be directed to your insurance carrier claim portal

When you call, have the following ready:

• your policy number
• the other driver’s information
• the police report number (if available)
• photos of the damage
• a brief description of what happened

The faster we have this information, the faster we can start your claim.

If you’re not an A-MAX customer and you’re reading this article looking for a better insurance experience, we can help. Get a free quote in 5 minutes or find an A-MAX office near you .

In the days after the accident:

• Get a copy of the police report (usually available 5-10 days after the accident from the responding agency)

• See a doctor if you’re experiencing any pain, soreness, or symptoms, even mild ones. Some injuries (whiplash, concussion) take a day or two to show up, and medical records matter for your claim

• Keep records of every conversation related to the accident: dates, names, what was said

• Don’t accept a settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance until you’ve talked to your own agent

Accidents create records: police reports, claims database entries, insurance company files. We get that some A-MAX customers are concerned about who has access to information shared during the claims process. For details on what A-MAX shares (and what we don’t), see Your Privacy, Prioritized .

We strongly recommend it, even for fender-benders. A police report creates an official record that matters when fault is disputed. In Texas and California, the law requires police reporting for accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, it kicks in to cover damages the other driver should have paid for. If you don’t, your collision coverage may help. See our uninsured motorist coverage guide for details.

It depends on fault, your driving history, and your carrier. An at-fault accident typically raises rates 20-40% for 3-5 years. A not-at-fault accident often has no effect on your rate. A-MAX shops your renewal across multiple carriers to find the rate that fits, even after an accident.

As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Most policies have a “prompt notification” clause that can affect coverage if you wait too long.

You should still file a claim with your insurance company and contact the at-fault driver’s insurance. Even when fault is clear, having your own carrier involved helps protect your interests during the process.