What to do after a car accident

What should you do immediately after a car accident?

Earlier this year, I was in a minor car accident. Fortunately, no one was injured. But as I stepped out of my wrecked car, I realized I wasn’t sure what I should do next. That only added to the stress and made me wish I’d been better prepared for a situation that’s pretty common.

To prevent this confusion from happening to you, let’s walk through some of the most common steps you’ll need to take following a car accident.

At the scene of the car accident

The following steps assume that there are no injuries. If anyone is hurt, getting medical care always comes first. After that, contacting your insurance provider should be a priority. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner your adjuster can begin advocating for you and helping you navigate everything from vehicle repairs to claim updates.

1. Get off the road and call for help
   If possible, get your vehicle out of traffic. Move yourself to a safe area like the sidewalk.
   Even for minor accidents, you will want to call law enforcement. A police report creates an official record of what happened, which becomes important when filing your insurance claim. When speaking to law enforcement, make sure you’re focusing on the facts of the accident, not opinions or assumptions.
2. Exchange required information
   If you are able to talk with the driver of the other car, ask them for:
   
   • their name
   • phone number
   • insurance provider
   • policy number
   • driver’s license
   • and vehicle details

      

   You can also request law enforcement to get the necessary information from the other driver. 
3. Document the accident thoroughly
   Try to gather as much information from the scene as you can, including:
   
   • Taking photos of both vehicles, the road, the surrounding area and any visible damage.
   • Asking witnesses whether they can share a statement with law enforcement or if they are willing to share their contact information.
   • Keeping the police case number for your records.

Right after leaving the accident location

1. Seek medical attention if needed
   Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Let the adjuster for the claim know as soon as you have decided you need medical care, even if it is days later.
2. Take care of your vehicle
   If your car was towed, find out where it’s being held, either from your insurance adjuster or the law enforcement office that was present at the scene. From there, one of two things typically happens:
   
   • Total loss: If the cost to repair your vehicle is close to or greater than its value, your insurer may declare it a total loss. Instead of paying for repairs, they’ll usually settle the claim based on the vehicle’s current value, minus your deductible if it applies.
   • Repairable damage: If the damage can be repaired, your insurer will typically assess the vehicle and approve the work. Then you can take it to a repair shop for an estimate and begin repairs.
   If possible, wait for the insurance adjuster’s approval before starting repairs. If your car isn’t drivable, your policy may include rental coverage. If you weren’t at fault, the other driver’s policy may also cover a rental vehicle.
3. Gather all your documentation
   You'll want to file your claim as soon as you can. To make filing easier, try to gather any relevant information or documents. Remember, you can go back and add more documentation later, so prioritize filing as soon as possible. If available, gather:
   
   • Photos or videos from the scene
   • Police report (if available)
   • Medical records or receipts
   • Repair estimates
   • Any other notes about the accident
   Having this ready upfront helps to speed up the filing process and reduces the amount of back and forth later.
4. File your claim
   Depending on the state you live in, you’ll need to report the accident to an insurance company, either yours or the other driver’s. Filing with your insurance is typically faster, but you may have to pay your deductible upfront. If allowed by your state, filing with the at-fault driver’s insurance may take longer, but you usually avoid paying a deductible. If you are at fault or the only one involved in the accident, you will file with your insurance company. If fault is unclear, starting with your insurance company is often the quickest path forward.

The claims process

While your assigned insurance adjuster handles the investigation, there are a few important things you can do to keep everything moving smoothly:

1. Continue treatment: If you were injured, follow your treatment plan and keep records of appointments, diagnoses and costs. Good documentation helps account for current, and future, expenses.
2. Document additional expenses: Accidents can incur unexpected costs, such as:
   
   • Missed work
   • Travel to appointments
   • Medical supplies or equipment
   Keep a record of any documentation related to the accident, so it can be included in your claim.
3. Stay responsive: Your adjuster may reach out for more information in the days after you file. Responding quickly can help keep your claim moving.

Settlement and claim closure

Once the claim investigation is complete, fault has been determined and costs have been calculated, your adjuster will present a settlement offer. This offer reflects the total amount the insurer owes according to the insurance policy, including repairs, medical expenses and other eligible losses.

If the amount doesn’t seem to reflect your actual expenses, you may be able to negotiate. Having clear documentation makes this much easier. Once both sides agree, the settlement is paid and the claim is officially closed.

Being in a car accident is never easy, but knowing what to do can make the aftermath feel more manageable. And when you have coverage from a company you trust, you can feel more confident throughout the claims process. General Motors Insurance is here to support you when it matters most. Get a quote today to see how much you could save. 

By Lincoln Edgemon, GM Financial

Lincoln learned how to drive in a GMC Sierra and has been a fan of large vehicles ever since. She's committed to clarity in communication that helps others on their journey toward financial literacy.