What to Do in the First 10 Minutes After a Car Accident

Minute 1–2: Check yourself and your passengers

Before anything else, take a breath and check for injuries — yours and everyone else's in your vehicle. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, tell the dispatcher you've been in a collision so they can send medical help if needed. Adrenaline can mask pain, so something that feels fine in the moment can turn out to be serious later.

Minute 2–3: Get to safety

If the accident is minor and your car is drivable, move it out of traffic — to the shoulder, a parking lot, or a side street. Turn on your hazard lights. If the car can't be moved safely, or if anyone is seriously injured, leave it where it is and get yourself and your passengers to a safe place away from traffic, if you can do so without putting anyone at further risk.

Minute 3–4: Call the police

Even for what seems like a small fender-bender, it's usually smart to call the police and request a report. In many places, a police report is required when there's an injury or significant damage, and it creates an official record of what happened — which can matter a lot when claims are processed later. Ask the responding officer for the report number before they leave the scene.

Minute 4–6: Document everything

Use your phone while the scene is fresh:

• Photos of all vehicles involved, from multiple angles, showing damage and positions on the road.
• Photos of the surrounding scene — skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, weather, and any debris.
• The other driver's license plate, and their driver's license and insurance card, if they're willing to share them.
• Names and contact information of any witnesses who stopped. Independent witnesses can make a real difference if there's later a dispute about fault.

Minute 6–8: Exchange information — and stay careful with your words

Get the other driver's full name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle details. Share yours in return. Be polite and calm, but don't discuss fault. Avoid saying things like "I'm so sorry" or "It was my fault," even as a reflex. Fault is determined later by insurers and, when needed, the police report and evidence — not by what anyone says in the heat of the moment. Stick to the facts of what happened if you're asked.

Minute 8–10: Notify your insurance company

Once you're safe and have documented the scene, contact your insurance company as soon as you can — many policies require prompt notice of an accident, and delays can complicate your claim. Many insurers have 24-hour claims lines or mobile apps that let you start a claim, upload photos, and get next-step instructions right from the scene.

What not to do

• Don't leave the scene of an accident, even a minor one. Leaving can lead to serious legal consequences.
• Don't admit fault or sign anything at the scene except what's required by police.
• Don't accept a cash settlement on the spot without understanding the full extent of damage and injuries. Hidden damage and delayed injuries are common.
• Don't post about the accident on social media. Anything you say publicly can be used later in a claims dispute.

After the first 10 minutes

Once you're home and calm, follow up: see a doctor even if you feel fine (some injuries take hours or days to show up), keep copies of all paperwork and repair estimates, and stay in contact with your insurer. If you're unsure how your coverage applies, ask before you accept any offers or begin repairs.

Be prepared before it happens

Keep a small card in your glove compartment with your insurance policy number and your insurance company's claims phone number, along with emergency contacts. A little preparation now means one less thing to worry about on the worst day.

If you ever have questions about what your policy covers after an accident — or you want to make sure your coverage is strong enough before you need it — Ai United is here to help. Cotiza ahora and drive with more peace of mind.