Safety first, calling 911, exchanging information, photos, the police report and your insurance claim.
A car accident (Americans also say crash or fender bender for a small one) is stressful. Keep this list on your phone.
At the scene
1
Stop. Never drive away from an accident, even a small one. Leaving is a crime.
2
Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
3
Make it safe. Turn on your hazard lights. If the cars can move and nobody is hurt, many states want you to move them out of traffic to the side of the road.
4
Call the police if there are injuries, big damage, a driver without insurance, or a disagreement. Some police departments do not come for small accidents; then ask how to file a report yourself.
5
Exchange information with the other driver: full name and phone number, driver's license number, insurance company and policy number, and license plate number, car make, model and color.
6
Take photos: all cars from every side, the damage, the plates, the road, signs and signals, and the other driver's license and insurance card (ask first).
7
Get witness names and phone numbers if someone saw it.
8
Do not say "it was my fault" or "sorry, my mistake". Be polite, but let the insurance companies and police decide fault. Just state facts.
After the accident
Get a police report number from the officer. You and the insurance company will need it.
Call your insurance company or use its app to start a claim (a request for payment) the same day if you can.
See a doctor if you feel pain, even a day later. Some injuries show up slowly.
Some states require you to report an accident to the DMV within a set number of days if there is injury or damage above a dollar amount. This differs by state; see In your state.
Keep every receipt: towing, rental car, medical bills.
If the other driver has no insurance
Get as much information as you can and call the police. Your own policy may cover you if you bought uninsured motorist coverage.
Common mistakes
Agreeing to settle with cash at the roadside. Damage often costs more than it looks, and injuries can appear later.
Posting about the accident on social media.
Waiting weeks to tell your insurer. Policies often require quick notice.