Car Accident Checklist
Shaken after a crash and not sure what to do? Work through these 8 steps to handle the scene and capture the proof before it's gone. Free — print it for your glovebox, or let the app walk you through it.
Get safe, then call 911
If you can do it safely, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazards. Check everyone for injuries and call 911 — a police report is one of your most important records.
Capture the scene before it changes
The scene clears fast — cars get towed, debris is swept, weather shifts. Photograph everything now:
- All vehicles: wide shots + close-ups of every dent and scrape
- License plates, the other driver's license + insurance card
- Road signs, signals, lane markings, skid marks, debris
- Weather, lighting, and time of day · your own injuries
→ Time-stamped, tamper-proof photos carry far more weight later. That's exactly what IncidentApp captures.
Exchange information
Trade details with the other driver: name, phone, address, driver's license number, plate number, insurance company, and policy number. Stick to the facts — exchanging information isn't the time to assign blame; let the insurers determine fault.
Find witnesses and cameras
Get witness names and phone numbers before they drive off — they rarely stay. Look for nearby businesses, doorbells, and traffic cameras and note them; that footage is often overwritten within 24–72 hours, so it has to be requested fast.
Record the police report details
Write down the responding officer's name and badge number, the report number, and how to get a copy. You'll need it for your insurance claim.
Seek medical attention
See a doctor even if you feel okay — adrenaline masks injuries, and some (whiplash, concussions) surface days later. Prompt medical records document the connection between the crash and your injuries.
Notify your insurer
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly and hand over the documentation you gathered. Organized, time-stamped records make the claim move faster.
Don't overlook diminished value
Even after flawless repairs, your car is usually worth less simply because it now has an accident on its history. That loss is real — and often claimable.
→ Estimate it free with the Diminished Value Calculator.
Or skip the clipboard.
IncidentApp walks you through every step above, right from the scene — capturing tamper-proof, time-stamped photos and details, then assembling your claim and a demand letter. Free, on your phone, when you need it most.
Get IncidentApp — Free for iOSThis checklist is general information to help you stay organized after an accident — it is not legal or medical advice. Steps and your rights vary by state and situation; consult a qualified professional about your specific circumstances. Appalanche Inc. is a technology company, not a law firm.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Get to safety, check for injuries, and call 911. Then document the scene with photos, exchange information with the other driver, collect witness details, and seek medical attention — even if you feel fine. Report the accident to your insurer.
What should I document after a car accident?
Photos of all vehicles and damage, license plates, the other driver's license and insurance card, road and weather conditions, skid marks, your injuries, witness names and numbers, and the police report details. Time-stamped photos taken at the scene are the strongest record.
How long do I have to document evidence after a crash?
Do it at the scene if you can — vehicles get towed and the scene clears quickly. Nearby camera footage is often overwritten within 24–72 hours, so note the cameras and request footage fast.
Should I admit fault at the scene?
Stick to the facts. Exchange information and describe what happened accurately to the police, but determining fault is the insurers' and investigators' job — not something to settle at the roadside.
Is there a printable version?
Yes — download the free printable PDF and keep it in your glovebox. No signup required.
Be ready before it happens.
Keep the checklist in your glovebox and IncidentApp on your phone — so if it ever happens, you document it like a pro.
Download IncidentApp — Free