After a Car Accident: A Calm, Practical Guide
A step-by-step guide to safety, scene photos and notes, exchanging information, and reporting a claim directly to your insurer.
Wreck Doctors · Accident field kitFREE TOOLKIT 01 / 03
After the crash, get the facts down.
Fill out scene notes, exchange driver details, and organize your claim. Start on your phone, then print or save a copy for your records.
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WRECK DOCTORS · FIELD WORKSHEET01
Accident scene & timeline
Record only what you personally observed. Complete this when it is safe; never enter traffic to gather details.
Your entries stay in this open page only. Printing may leave a copy on a shared device; store it securely.
Keep these guides handy
Download the free guides.
Printable references and paper worksheets. They are not official police or state forms, and do not replace required reporting.
Download free PDF
Driver Information Exchange
A printable worksheet for recording crash details, driver and vehicle information, insurance, witnesses, police information, and factual notes.
Insurance Claim Organizer
A first-call script, questions to ask the insurer, a document checklist, and space to track follow-ups and next steps.
If you are at the scene
Record facts, when it is safe.
Focus on safety first. Only document the scene when you can do so without entering traffic or creating another hazard.
Make the scene safer
Move out of active traffic if you can do so safely. Turn on hazard lights. Call 911 when anyone is hurt, the scene is dangerous, or emergency help is needed.
Capture useful details
Note the date, time, location, direction of travel, road and weather conditions, and what you observed. Photograph the full scene, vehicle positions, plates, and damage from safe locations.
Exchange information
Record each driver's name and contact information, license details, vehicle information, insurer and policy number. Ask witnesses for contact details. Keep the conversation calm and factual.
Save the report details
If police respond, note the agency, officer name or badge number, report number, and how to request the report. Check state rules for reporting requirements and deadlines.
You can start a claim directly
You can call your insurer yourself.
You do not need an attorney just to report a crash and open a claim with your own insurer. Call the number on your insurance card or use the insurer's official app or website. If you are contacting another driver's insurer, ask how to open a third-party claim.
Share accurate facts and the documents you have. Ask for the claim number and adjuster contact, what coverage may apply, what documents are needed, how to submit them, whether the vehicle should be inspected before repairs, and what deadlines to know about. Coverage depends on your policy and state rules.
Keep copies of every document and a dated log of calls and next steps. You can ask questions and take time to understand unfamiliar forms. Consider independent legal advice if you have serious injuries, a disputed or denied claim, or a deadline you do not understand. Seeking legal help is your choice.
Care comes first
Want help finding non-emergency care?
Ask the Wreck Doctors team to call you about finding care options after an accident. Share contact information only; a clinician can discuss medical details with you directly.
A callback request is not an appointment or emergency service. For a medical emergency or possible serious injury, call 911.
Or call 1-800-595-PAINRequest a callback
State rules and source material
Use official information for your state.
Crash reporting rules and claim requirements can vary. Start with your state motor-vehicle agency and insurance department, then confirm details with your insurer.
Consumer guidanceNational Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)What You Should Know About Filing an Auto ClaimConsumer guideNAICA Consumer’s Guide to Auto InsuranceOfficial state formFlorida Department of Highway Safety and Motor VehiclesDriver Exchange of Information formState crash requirementsGeorgia Department of Driver ServicesSection 11: CrashesState crash recordsTexas Department of TransportationCrash Reports and RecordsInsurer guidanceProgressiveWhat to Do After a Car AccidentInsurer guidanceAllstateWhat to Do After a Car AccidentState consumer assistanceNAICFind Your State Insurance Department
Sources reviewed September 29, 2026. This page is general educational information, not legal advice, medical advice, an insurance policy interpretation, or a promise of coverage. State laws and insurance policies control. Wreck Doctors is a referral and lead-generation service, not an emergency service, medical practice, insurer, or law firm.
Your health comes first.
For help finding non-emergency care after an accident, call Wreck Doctors.