Accident scene checklist

Safety first

• Stop your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights.
• Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
• Move to a safe place off the road if you can do so safely.
• Call the police, and follow your state’s rules on reporting a crash.
• Stay at the scene until you are allowed to leave.

Information to collect

• Get each driver’s name, phone number, license number and insurance details.
• Write down each vehicle’s make, model, color and plate number.
• Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
• Note the responding officer’s name, badge number, agency and report number.
• Stick to facts when you speak, and avoid saying who was at fault.

Evidence to capture

• Record audio or video of the scene and conversations, if it is safe.
• Photograph every vehicle from several angles, including damage and plates.
• Photograph the road, skid marks, debris, signs, signals and weather conditions.
• Photograph any visible injuries.
• Note nearby cameras at homes or businesses that may have captured the crash.

Afterwards

• Get checked by a medical professional, even if you feel fine.
• Report the crash to your insurer and keep the claim number.
• Request a copy of the police report once it is available.
• Send preservation letters early for any video you want kept.
• Keep every bill, receipt, estimate and letter in one place.

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