5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Nobody plans to get in a car accident, which is exactly why it helps to know what to do before one happens. In the immediate aftermath, it's easy to feel overwhelmed — you're stressed, maybe shaken up, possibly dealing with injuries. Having a mental checklist can help you stay focused and protect yourself.

Here are five practical steps to take after a car accident. This is general guidance. Laws regarding accident reporting, insurance requirements, and your specific rights and obligations vary by state. Always follow the laws of the state where the accident occurs. If you're a ShieldPoint policyholder, your policy documents and the ShieldPoint claims team can provide guidance specific to your coverage.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Move to Safety

Your first priority is safety, not paperwork. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before you do anything else. If anyone is injured — or if you're not sure — call 911 immediately. Don't try to move someone who may have a spinal injury unless there's an immediate danger (like a fire) that requires it.

If the vehicles are drivable and it's safe to do so, move them out of traffic to prevent additional accidents. Turn on your hazard lights. If you have road flares or reflective triangles, use them.

Step 2: Call the Police

In many states, you're legally required to report accidents that involve injuries or property damage above a certain dollar threshold. Even when it's not legally required, a police report creates an official record of what happened, which can be valuable when an insurance claim is filed.

When law enforcement arrives, give an accurate, factual account of what happened. Avoid speculating about fault or making admissions. The investigation will determine fault — that's not your job at the scene.

Step 3: Document the Scene

While you wait for police (or after), gather as much information as you can:

• Other driver's information: Name, contact information, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company, and policy number.
• Witness information: Names and contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened.
• Photos and video: Photograph vehicle damage (all vehicles involved), the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs or signals, and any visible injuries. Take wide shots and close-ups.
• Officer information: Get the name and badge number of the responding officer and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.

Do not post photos or details of the accident on social media until your claim is resolved.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after the accident, even if you don't think you were at fault and even if you're unsure whether you'll file a claim. Most policies require prompt notification of accidents. Delaying notification could complicate your claim.

If you're a ShieldPoint policyholder, you can report a claim 24/7 by phone at 1-800-555-0911, through your online account, or through the ShieldPoint mobile app. Have your policy number, the date and location of the accident, and the information you collected at the scene ready when you call.

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, see a doctor. Adrenaline can mask pain and some injuries — including soft tissue injuries and concussions — may not be immediately obvious. A prompt medical evaluation creates a record linking any injuries to the accident, which matters if a personal injury claim is later involved.

Keep all records of medical treatment, including bills, prescriptions, and documentation of any missed work. Your insurer may need these as part of a claim.

A Note on Fault and Liability

Determining fault in an accident involves facts, applicable law, and in some cases, state-specific rules about comparative or contributory negligence. Do not admit fault at the scene — not to the other driver, not to witnesses, and not on social media. Your insurer's claims team is trained to handle these determinations. Let them do their job.

If you have questions about how your specific coverage applies after an accident, contact ShieldPoint or review your policy documents.

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Laws and insurance requirements vary by state. Please consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.