What to Do After a Car Accident

A simple step-by-step guide to help you stay calm, safe, and in control.

Car accidents are stressful. Even a minor one can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do—step by step—so you can focus on staying safe and handling things the right way.

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Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority is safety.

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
• If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately
• Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible
• Turn on hazard lights

If the cars can’t be moved, stay inside (if it’s safe) and wait for help.

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Call the Police (When Appropriate)

In many cases, it’s best to have a police report—especially if:

• There are injuries
• There’s significant damage
• Fault is unclear
• The other driver is uncooperative

A police report can make the claims process much smoother later on.

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Exchange Information

Get the essentials from everyone involved:

• Name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate

Tip: Take photos of their insurance card and license to avoid mistakes.

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Document Everything

This step matters more than people think.

Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage (all angles)
• The overall scene
• License plates
• Road conditions, traffic signs, or signals

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact info.

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Avoid Admitting Fault

Even if you think you may be responsible, don’t admit fault at the scene.

There are often factors you may not be aware of, and fault is ultimately determined by the insurance companies (and sometimes law enforcement).

Stick to the facts when speaking with others.

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Start the Claims Process

You have a couple of options here:

• Contact your insurance carrier directly (often the fastest route)
• Reach out to your agent if you want guidance on next steps

Many carriers offer mobile apps where you can start a claim right away.

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Take Steps to Prevent Further Damage

If your vehicle is drivable, you may be advised to:

• Move it to a safe location
• Arrange temporary repairs if needed

If it’s not drivable, your carrier can help coordinate towing.

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Keep Records and Stay Organized

After the accident, keep everything in one place:

• Claim number
• Adjuster contact info
• Repair estimates
• Receipts (towing, rental, etc.)

This will make the process much easier to manage.

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A Quick Reality Check

Accidents are frustrating. Claims can take time. And sometimes the process isn’t as instant as we’d all like. But if you follow these steps, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position for a smooth outcome.

If you’re a client of Lapointe Insurance and not sure what to do next, reach out to us.

We’re happy to guide you through the process, answer questions, and help you make sense of everything—without adding more stress to your day.