What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

Being in a car accident can shake up even the most experienced drivers. Whether it’s a small fender-bender or a major collision, what you do in the moments right after the crash can make a big difference in ensuring your safety, protecting your rights, and getting your car properly repaired.

At AW Collision , we’ve helped thousands of drivers across 339 Harbor Way
South San Francisco, CA 94080 recover after accidents. This guide will walk you through 
exactly what to do immediately after a car accident in the U.S.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

  • First, check yourself and passengers for injuries.
  • If it’s safe, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
  • Turn on hazard lights, and if needed, place road flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers

Never leave the scene of an accident, even if it’s minor—it could be 
considered a hit-and-run.

Step 2: Call 911

  • Dial 911 to report the accident.
  • If there are injuries, request ambulance services.
  • Ask for police assistance even in minor collisions—an official police 
report is often required by insurance companies.

Step 3: Document Everything

Use your phone to take clear photos of:

  • All vehicle damage (close-up and wide shots)
  • License plates of all involved cars
  • Driver’s licenses and insurance cards
  • The surrounding area, road signs, and traffic signals
  • Injuries (if applicable)

Detailed documentation can protect you from liability and speed up 
insurance claims.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Get the following from all drivers involved:

  • Full name, phone number, and address
  • Driver’s license number
  • Vehicle make, model, year, and license plate number
  • Insurance company name and policy number

If there are witnesses, try to get their names and contact details too.

Step 5: Contact a Trusted Collision Repair Shop

Before you call your insurer, it helps to get a free estimate from a 
reliable body shop. Many shops (like ours) will work directly with your 
insurance company and assist with the paperwork.

At AW Collision, we offer:

  • Free damage estimates
  • Towing assistance
  • Insurance claim support
  • Certified technicians & OEM-quality parts