Safety first
Call emergency services for serious injury, severe symptoms, unsafe roadway conditions, fire, danger, impaired driving concerns, or if you are unsure whether emergency help is needed.
Right after the crash
- Move to safety if possible and do not stand in active traffic.
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance information.
- Get witness names and contact information when possible.
- Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, weather, debris, and visible injuries if safe.
- Write down the police report number if a report is made.
What to tell the doctor
“I was in a car accident on [date/time]. I was the [driver/passenger/pedestrian/cyclist]. The impact came from [front/back/driver side/passenger side/multiple directions]. My body moved [forward/back/sideways/twisted]. I did/did not hit my head. I did/did not lose consciousness. Airbags did/did not deploy. I was/was not wearing a seatbelt. My symptoms started [right away/later]. Right now I have [symptoms]. I want to know what warning signs to watch for and what follow-up I need.”
Delayed symptoms to watch for
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, or brain fog
- Neck, back, shoulder, chest, abdominal, jaw, or dental pain
- Numbness, tingling, weakness, or trouble walking
- Sleep changes, mood changes, panic, or fear of driving
- Bruising, swelling, limited movement, or worsening pain
Save these records
- Crash date, time, and location
- Police report number and insurance claim number
- Other driver and witness information
- Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene
- Medical visit summaries, prescriptions, imaging reports, and work/school notes
- Repair, tow, rental car, copay, mileage, and other expense receipts
- Notes from every insurance, billing, medical, or repair call