What to Do After a Car Accident – Step-by-Step Guide

Being in a car accident — even a minor one — is stressful and disorienting. Whether you’re at fault or not, knowing what to do immediately afterward can protect your health, help your insurance claim, and speed up the repair process.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911 Your safety is always the top priority. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away. Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s smart to get checked out.

2. Move to Safety and Document the Scene If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Then, take photos of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, and any visible damage. These photos are useful for insurance claims and body shop assessments.

3. Exchange Information Swap names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). Avoid discussing who was at fault — let your insurance company handle that.

4. File a Police Report (If Required) Depending on your state and the severity of the damage, you may need a police report. It’s often a helpful record, even if not legally required.

5. Contact a Trusted Auto Body ShopOnce you’ve notified your insurance company, choose a reliable repair shop — like Precision Auto Body & Collision. We’ll work directly with your insurer, provide a detailed estimate, and get your car safely back on the road.