Make sure everyone's safe and call for help if anyone's hurt. Move to safety if you can, exchange insurance and contact info, photograph everything, and file a report. Don't admit fault at the scene — just stick to the facts.
At the scene
- Check the scene first, then people — you can't help anyone if you get hit checking on them. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Get to safety — hazards on. If it's a fender-bender and both cars still drive, move them off the roadway. But if anyone is hurt, a car won't move, or you're on a highway, stay buckled inside and let 911 come to you — an interstate shoulder is no place to stand and swap phone numbers.
- Exchange info — names, phone numbers, insurance, license plates.
- Document it — photos of damage, the scene, positions, and any visible injuries.
- File a report — if anyone is injured, always call the police. Otherwise requirements vary by state, and some states want a separate DMV filing within days. Look up your state's rule on a calm afternoon and keep the answer with your insurance card.
Even a reflexive “I'm so sorry” can be used against you. Be kind, check on people, but stick to exchanging facts — report it to your insurer and let the adjusters determine fault. Just remember the other driver's insurance company works for the other driver: don't sign anything or give a recorded statement to their side until you've slept on it and talked to your own.
After
Contact your insurance company to start a claim, keep all your photos and the report, and see a doctor if you feel any pain — some injuries show up a day later. Keep records of everything.
Common questions
It was tiny — do I still report it?
Often yes; check your state's rules. Documenting protects you if the other person changes their story or hidden damage shows up later.