In the moments after an accident, it’s important to stay calm and maintain focus, rather than letting panic set in. To guide you through the post-accident confusion, we’ve created the following accident checklists outlining your immediate next steps. Following each recommended step can help ensure everyone’s safety, minimize your losses, and maximize your compensation. 

To give more context, we’ve provided some extra tips at the bottom of this page that you can reference as needed. Make sure to use the table of contents for easy navigation.

Motor Vehicle Accident Checklist

This checklist is for victims of motor vehicle accidents, whether you’re in a car, truck, on a bike, scooter, or on foot.

• Check yourself and any passengers for serious injuries — call 911 if necessary. 
• If on a bicycle or motorbike, try not to remove any safety gear until you’ve confirmed you’re unharmed. Doing so could worsen injuries.
• Cautiously navigate to a safe location. Contact roadside assistance if necessary. (See Tip #4.)
• Don't admit fault, stick to the facts. (See Tip #1.)
• Call the authorities immediately to report the accident, especially if the injuries or property damage are severe. If possible, obtain a copy of the police report, or make note of the police report number. 
• Write down as many details as you can about the accident. Take pictures, or better yet, record videos of the scene. (See Tip #2.) 
• Try to write down the following information from other drivers involved in the accident: 
• • License plate number. 
  • Driver’s license number. 
  • Contact information. 
  • Insurance company and policy number. 
  • Employer name if a company vehicle is involved.
• Exchange contact information with any witnesses at the scene. 
• Request a copy of the accident report from your local police department. If it doesn’t exist, look into filing the accident report yourself. (See Tip #3.) 
• Contact an attorney for guidance in dealing with insurance and seeking compensation. 
• Call your insurance provider to report the accident. When speaking with adjusters, only provide basic facts (e.g., location and time of the accident). Avoid discussing fault or agreeing to quick settlement offers without consulting an attorney first.  
• Call your doctor to schedule a checkup for any unexpected injuries. 
• Preserve evidence such as clothing or other property that was damaged in the accident.

Additional Steps for Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles

Refer to the following steps if you are a driver or passenger for a rideshare service (such as Uber, Lyft, Door Dash, etc.) and you experience an accident while the app is active.

• Screenshot the rideshare app showing: 
• • The driver’s name. 
  • The trip ID. 
  • The time/location of the ride. 
  • The rideshare company. 
• Report the accident to the rideshare service. Their insurer may contact you for further information. 
• Call your own insurance provider to inform them of the accident and see if there are any additional steps you need to take.

Slip and Fall Accident Checklist

This checklist explains what to do if you slip and fall on someone else’s property.

• Check yourself for serious injuries — call 911 if necessary. Document any serious injuries immediately after the accident. 
• Write down as many details as you can about the accident. Ask if there are cameras on the property that may have recorded the incident. Take pictures, or better yet, record videos of the scene. It is very important to document the evidence before any cleanup or repairs are made. (See Tip #2.) 
• File a formal report with the property owner. Make sure they know to report the accident according to their standard procedure. 
• Don’t sign any waivers or claim fault. Keep communication professional and stick to the facts only. (See Tip #1.) 
• Exchange contact information with witnesses at the scene. 
• Ask the property owner or a representative for a copy of the incident report. If nobody has notified the authorities, you may want to contact the police to file a report yourself. (See Tip #3.) 
• Contact an attorney for guidance in dealing with insurance and seeking compensation. 
• Call your doctor to schedule a checkup for any unexpected injuries. 
• Preserve evidence such as clothing or other property that was damaged in the accident.

Tip #1: What Not to Say

After an accident, many people will downplay the situation or make unnecessary concessions. However, if you make statements other than basic facts, it could harm your case in a court of law. 

When talking about an accident, even simple expressions like “I’m sorry,” or “I’m not hurt” could be used against you. Apologizing can be interpreted as an admission of fault, even if you weren’t to blame. Meanwhile, stating that you are unhurt might conflict with injuries that manifest after the accident.  

Share only the essentials, such as your contact information, insurance details if required, and key facts of the incident. Provide a straightforward account of what happened without assigning blame or making assumptions. Once you’ve had the necessary conversations, avoid discussing the accident without assistance from an attorney.

Tip #2: Gathering the Right Information

Trying to process everything at once immediately after an accident can be overwhelming. However, the more information you have, the better it will serve you. This doesn’t mean you have to write down everything under the sun. Priority is key.

Document Your Memory of Events

One thing to do while the accident is still fresh in your mind is to document your memory of what happened. What caused the crash? Consider journaling your experience, recording a voice note, or taking a video on your phone. This is wise to do sooner rather than later, so your memory of the incident doesn’t get muddled.

Record the Scene

Another high priority on your list should be recording the scene. Always check for cameras — in the area, on the property, and even on involved vehicles — which might have caught footage of the accident. 

You should also take your own pictures and/or video after the accident. Capture any angles that show important information, such as the positioning of the vehicles or marks on the road. This evidence could be crucial in determining who’s at fault. Make sure to also photograph any damage to all vehicles involved and the scene. Generally, if it’s related to the accident, it’s worth documenting. 

Some other details you should make a note of include the following:

• Time of the accident. 
• Exact location. 
• Weather conditions in the area. 
• The point where your vehicle was struck (if applicable).

Tip #3: Accident Reports

Depending on your state and situation, you may be required to file an accident report. 

Investigate your state’s requirements to see if you need to file a report. If an accident report already exists, reach out to the law enforcement office and/or your insurance provider to request a copy. Check out our guides to accident reports in Florida, Ohio, and Oregon.

Tip #4: Roadside Assistance and Towing Scams

Some accident victims have encountered towing scams while trying to resolve an accident quickly. In these scams, someone arrives at the scene without invitation, offering to tow a damaged vehicle. Once the vehicle is towed, they attempt to charge extreme prices or even hold your vehicle hostage.  

Check reviews and ratings before contacting a towing company. More importantly, carefully read any agreement before signing, and don’t accept roadside assistance from unexpected guests.

Looking for an Attorney?

Hiring a lawyer means having an expert on your side to help you understand your legal options. They can also handle more complicated tasks for you, like acquiring important evidence or negotiating with insurance companies.  

If you are looking for a personal injury law firm with decades of experience, Senft Legal is a trusted ally in these challenging times. We’ve acquired hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of clients, but our biggest achievement is our growing presence and subsequent impact in our communities. 

You can get in touch with a lawyer at any time, any day, to have your case evaluated free of charge. Don’t hesitate — ring to reach a lawyer and learn how Senft Legal can make a difference in your life.