What to do after a car crash¶
Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.
A crash is frightening, and it is hard to think straight afterward. This page gives you the steps to follow in order, so you can protect yourself and anyone hurt, and handle the paperwork later.
Do this now¶
- Stop. Never leave the scene of a crash, even a small one.
- Turn on your hazard lights and, if the car is in a live lane and can still move, steer it to the shoulder or a safe spot nearby.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, then check people in the other vehicles.
- Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom) if anyone is hurt, if the road is blocked, or if you are unsure.
- Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire.
- Get yourself to a safe place away from traffic, ideally behind a barrier or well off the road.
Make the scene safe¶
Other drivers are the biggest danger once the crash is over. Turn off the engine, put on the hazard lights, and set the parking brake. If you have reflective triangles or flares and it is safe to reach the road, place them well behind the vehicle.
On a fast road, it is often safer to leave the car and stand behind a guardrail than to stay inside or walk along the lane. If the car cannot be moved, leave it where it is and get out on the side away from traffic.
Look for smoke, fire, or the smell of fuel. If you see any of these, get everyone out and well away from the vehicles right away.
... danger "Fire or fuel leaks" If a car is smoking, burning, or leaking fuel, get everyone out and move at least 30 meters (100 feet) away. Call your local emergency number from a safe distance. Do not go back for belongings.
Check for injuries¶
Start with the people in your own vehicle, then check the others. Ask each person if they are hurt, and look for bleeding, trouble breathing, confusion, or severe pain. Some injuries do not hurt at first, so even people who feel fine should be checked by medical staff.
Do not move anyone who may have a neck or back injury. Tell them to stay still, and keep them calm and warm while you wait for help. Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet.
If someone is bleeding badly, press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth. Our bleeding guide shows how. If someone is not breathing, begin CPR after the emergency call.
Call for help¶
Call even if the crash seems minor when anyone is hurt, when a vehicle cannot be driven, or when the road is blocked. Tell the operator where you are, how many people are hurt, and what you can see. Stay on the line until they tell you to hang up.
If you do not know where you are, look for road signs, kilometer or mile markers, or a nearby landmark. Many phones can share your location with the call taker automatically, but do not count on it.
Exchange information¶
When it is safe, swap details with the other drivers. Stay calm and polite, and do not argue about who was at fault. Do not admit blame at the scene, because fault is decided later.
Write down or photograph:
- Names, phone numbers, and addresses of the other drivers
- License plate numbers, plus make, model, and color of each vehicle
- Insurance company and policy details
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- The responding officer's name and the report number, if police attend
Take photos¶
Use your phone to record the scene before the vehicles are moved, if it is safe to do so. Take wide shots that show the whole scene and close ups of damage on every vehicle. Photograph road signs, skid marks, traffic signals, weather, and the position of the cars.
Photos help your insurer and can settle disputes later. Do not step into traffic to get a better angle.
Reporting rules differ by country¶
Rules about when you must report a crash, and to whom, vary widely. Some places require a police report for any injury or any damage above a set amount. Others require you to report to your insurer within a short time.
Check with your local police or transport authority. If you are unsure, report the crash anyway.
In the United States¶
Rules differ by state. Most states require you to report a crash that involves injury, death, or property damage above a set amount, and you may also need to file a report with your state motor vehicle department. Check your state's rules.
Call your insurer¶
Contact your insurance company as soon as you can, even if you were not at fault. Give them the facts and your photos, and ask what happens next. Keep copies of every document, repair estimate, and medical record.
... tip "Keep a card in the glove box" Keep a small card with your insurance details and emergency contacts in the car. A pen and a printed copy of this checklist help too.
Look after yourself afterward¶
Shock can hide pain and delay emotional reactions. Over the next few days, watch for headaches, neck or back pain, numbness, or dizziness, and see a doctor if you notice them. Feeling shaky or anxious after a crash is common.