This tool provides general legal reference information for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be relied upon without consultation with a licensed attorney in your state. Statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction, claim type, and individual circumstances. Always verify current law with a licensed attorney.
Post-Accident Action Checklist
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Check for injuries — call 911 immediatelyDo not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger. Emergency services create an official record.
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Move to safety and secure the sceneIf vehicles are driveable and no one is injured, move out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights.
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Exchange information with all driversFull name, license number, plate, insurance carrier, policy number, and phone number.
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Photograph everything before vehicles moveAll vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries.
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Collect witness names and contact infoIndependent witnesses are valuable. Note what they saw before they leave the scene.
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Get the police report numberAsk the responding officer for the report number and how to obtain a copy. Do not leave without it.
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Seek medical evaluation even if you feel fineWhiplash, concussion, and soft-tissue injuries often present hours or days later. A medical record links your injuries to the accident.
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Notify your insurance companyReport the accident promptly. Stick to the facts — do not speculate about fault or minimize your injuries.
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Write down everything you rememberSpeed, direction, weather, sequence of events, what all parties said. Memory fades quickly — document now.
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Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurerYou are not legally required to. Politely decline until you have consulted an attorney.
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Preserve all physical evidenceKeep damaged clothing and property. Do not repair your vehicle until it has been inspected or documented.
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Obtain the official police reportRequest a copy from the responding agency. Review it for errors and note any inaccuracies in writing.
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Start a medical and expense journalLog every appointment, symptom, medication, and out-of-pocket cost. This record supports your claim.
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Document lost wages and missed workGet a letter from your employer confirming dates missed and your rate of pay. Include self-employment income loss.
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Consult a personal injury attorneyMost PI attorneys offer free consultations. Early legal advice protects your rights before insurers shape the narrative.
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Know your state's statute of limitationsYour window to file a lawsuit is time-limited and begins at the date of injury. Use the SOL Reference Tool to check your state.
How to Use This Tool
- Work through the phases in order. The checklist is organized by urgency: At the Scene (first 30 minutes), Next 24 Hours, and First Two Weeks. Complete earlier phases first.
- Check each item as you complete it. Click the checkbox to mark an item done. The progress bar at the top tracks your overall completion.
- Don't skip medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Whiplash and concussion symptoms often appear 24–72 hours after impact. A same-day or next-day medical record is important for your claim.
- Print or save your checklist using the Print button to create a PDF record of your completed steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
This checklist covers the critical actions from the first 30 minutes at the scene through the first two weeks after the accident. The most time-sensitive tasks — calling 911, photographing the scene, and exchanging information — are grouped in Phase 1.
Call 911. A police report establishes the official record of the crash, records witness information, and may include the officer's initial fault assessment. Without a report, the claim often becomes a credibility dispute. Never leave the scene without obtaining a report number.
Within 24 hours, if possible. Whiplash, concussion, and thoracic spine injuries often present delayed symptoms. A same-day or next-day medical record establishes both the injury diagnosis and its causal link to the crash. Delayed treatment gives insurers grounds to dispute injury causation.
No. This checklist provides general educational information about post-accident steps. It does not constitute legal advice, does not apply to every situation, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.
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