Car Accident Guide: What to Do Before and After a Crash to Stay Safe and Protect Your Claim

February 03, 2026

By Cowan Insurance Group

Being involved in a car accident is stressful, and for many, overwhelming. You might feel shaken or could be injured, both of which can mean you won’t be thinking straight and may struggle with making decisions in the moment. Thankfully, taking time to prepare yourself before a car accident happens can relieve a lot of this pressure. You’ll have a plan in place that you simply need to follow, allowing you to stay calm, protect yourself, and ensure your insurance claim is handled smoothly.

Here is a detailed preparation guide on what do to in the event you’re in a car accident.

Preparation tips for peace of mind

What to do if you’re in a car accident starts before you’re ever in an accident. Here are details on what items everyone should keep in their car:

Insurance slip and vehicle registration: Having these documents handy in an accident can save you time and significantly reduce your stress, whether you’re exchanging insurance information with another individual, or providing your registration details to the police. We recommend storing these items together in an easily accessible location, such as the glove box.
Accident checklist: There is a lot of information you’ll need if you’re in a car accident, such as the name and license plate of the other driver, their insurance details, and the police officer’s information. Having a car accident checklist and a pen or pencil to write with, makes this infinitely easier. Store this alongside your insurance and registration.
Roadside emergency kit: Safety is key when you’re in an accident. A roadside emergency kit should contain items like road flares, reflectors, small pylons, and similar items that can keep you visible and safe if you can’t get your car off the road.
First aid kit: A first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and other basic medical supplies can help you handle minor injuries until help arrives.
Insurance policy: Review your insurance coverage before an accident happens so you know what’s included and what isn’t, such as a rental car.
Emergency contacts: Keep key phone numbers saved both in your phone and on paper with your checklist. These numbers can include your insurer, non-emergency line for police, as well as a friend or family member.
Medical information: As relevant, record key medical information such as blood type, allergies, and medical alerts, for anyone who is likely to have been in the vehicle during an accident. Keep this with your checklist and/or in your wallet.

Check these items every few months to ensure they’re still in good condition and are up to date.

Immediate steps after an accident

If you’re involved in a car accident, there are some immediate actions you should take to secure the scene and keep yourself and others safe.

Remain calm, take a deep breath, and then check yourself and others for injuries.
Call 911 immediately if there are injuries, significant damage to any vehicle, or if the collision is obstructing traffic and the car(s) cannot be moved.
Move your vehicle to a safe spot off the road if possible.
Turn on your hazard lights and use your roadside emergency kit to set up pylons if you can’t move your vehicle.
Visit a collision centre to file a report if there were no injuries, your vehicle is driveable, and police didn’t respond to the scene. This creates a clear record of the accident and damage in the event of discrepancies.

If your vehicle is still in drivable condition, you may want to go to a Collision Reporting Centre to have your vehicle inspected and give your statement. If it isn’t drivable, you will need to call a tow truck.

It’s also important that you do not admit fault for the accident. Investigators and insurance adjusters are experts at determining fault in car accidents and often consider information that drivers are unaware of to come to their conclusion. Additionally, only give your statement to the police, not other parties at the scene.

Gathering information

In addition to the steps listed above, you will also need to gather and record information about your accident. A car accident checklist can be significantly beneficial for this, though it’s also important to understand the information in advance. Here are some of the key details you’ll want to record:

Accident details: Write down the date, time, location, and a clear description of what happened. Include damage and injury details, no matter how minor.
Driver information: Note the license, registration, license plate, and insurance details of all parties involved. Taking photos of these items can be helpful.
Photos: Take photos of the vehicle(s) involved as well as the accident scene as a whole from several angles.
Videos: Look for nearby cameras or note the intersection you’re at, as video evidence of an accident is a crucial part of handling a claim.
Witness information: Record the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
Conditions: Record the weather and road conditions nearby the accident.
Police details: Write down the names and badge numbers of any officers you make a statement to.

Next steps

Car accidents are unpredictable and can be overwhelming. Preparation, however, from understanding your insurance coverage to having the right resources with you, can help you respond confidently. Speaking with an experienced Cowan insurance broker is a smart first step on this path. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide guidance, and handle your claim as efficiently as possible.

To learn more, please visit the LAS Home and Auto Insurance webpage.