You've just been in an accident.
Here's exactly what to do.
A calm, five-step playbook for the first hour. Written by the team that handles hundreds of insurance claims a year — for the moment you're standing in the middle of the road wondering what to do next.
What to Do After a Car Accident
International Auto Collision Center · 7049 Valjean Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406 · +1 (707) 777-7747
0 – 5 min
Safety first
Before anything else, make sure everyone is okay.
Check yourself and every passenger for injuries
If anyone is hurt — even a little — call 911 immediately. Adrenaline hides pain; whiplash and internal injuries often surface hours later. When in doubt, get checked.
Move your car out of traffic (if it's drivable)
Pull to the shoulder, a parking lot, or a side street. Turn on hazard lights. If the car won't start or is blocking the road, leave it and get to safety on foot.
Set flares or triangles if you have them
Especially on freeways and at night. Position them 100+ feet behind the accident so other drivers see it early. Never stand behind your car in a traffic lane.
5 – 15 min
Document the scene
Photos and witnesses now save you money later.
Take the 8 photos every insurance adjuster wants
Wide shot of the whole scene, close-ups of every point of damage on both vehicles, both license plates, the other driver's insurance card, road conditions, any skid marks, and any traffic signals or signs involved.
Exchange info with the other driver
Get their full name, phone number, driver's license number, insurance company and policy number, license plate, and vehicle make/model/year. Photograph their insurance card and license — easier than writing it down.
Look for witnesses
Anyone who saw what happened — a pedestrian, another driver, a store clerk — get their name and phone number. Witness statements settle 90% of disputed-fault claims in the customer's favor.
Photo checklist
Tap each shot as you take it. Progress saves to this device.
0 of 8 shots
15 – 60 min
Report the accident
Get the official paperwork moving.
Call the police if damage is over $1,000 or anyone is injured
California law requires a police report for accidents with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Even for minor damage, a police report is your strongest evidence if the other driver later changes their story.
Call your insurance company
Report the accident to your carrier within 24-48 hours, even if you weren't at fault. Filing quickly protects your rights. Stick to the facts — what happened, where, when. Don't guess at speed or fault.
Never admit fault at the scene
Even if you think you were at fault, do NOT say so to the other driver, witnesses, or police. Fault is determined by insurance investigators using evidence, not by apologies made in shock. "I'm sorry this happened" is fine. "I'm sorry, it was my fault" is not.
When insurance calls
What to say (and what NOT to say) on the first call.
Do stick to the facts
"I was traveling northbound on Van Nuys Blvd when a vehicle turned left in front of me at the intersection with Sherman Way." Facts only. Times. Locations. Speeds only if you're certain.
Don't guess or speculate
If they ask something you don't know, say "I'm not sure." Never guess at speed, distance, or the other driver's intent. Guesses become facts in their notes.
Do get everything in writing
Ask for the claim number, your adjuster's name and direct line, and a written summary of coverage decisions. Follow up in email to create a paper trail.
Don't accept a quick settlement
Insurers often offer a fast lowball settlement within 48 hours. Never sign anything until your car has been inspected in a shop — hidden damage isn't visible from photos.
Do name your body shop
"I'll be using International Auto Collision Center at 7049 Valjean Ave in Van Nuys." This locks in your choice under California §758.5.
Don't take a recorded statement without prep
You have the right to prep or have a rep present. Recorded statements are used to trap you into inconsistencies later. Delay it 24 hours if you can.
Day 1 – 3
Get your car fixed
You choose the shop. Not your insurance.
Get an estimate from a shop YOU trust
Under California Insurance Code §758.5, you have the right to choose any licensed body shop. Your insurance company might recommend one of their "preferred" shops — you don't have to use them. Upload photos to our online estimator for a same-day quote.
Arrange towing if the car isn't drivable
We offer free 24/7 towing throughout the San Fernando Valley for customers bringing us the repair. Call and we dispatch a truck within 30-60 minutes. Save yourself the $150-300 tow fee.
Drop off the car and let us handle the paperwork
We file with your insurance, coordinate the adjuster inspection, order OEM parts, and text you updates at every stage. You handle nothing after drop-off except picking up your keys when it's done.
Ready when you are.
Free estimate, direct billing with every major insurer, lifetime warranty.
1 – 3 years
After the repair
You may be owed more money — don't leave it on the table.
Inspect your car before signing at pickup
Walk around it in daylight. Check panel gaps, paint match, and interior. If anything's off, tell us before you sign the delivery acceptance — we'll fix it under warranty.
Claim diminished value if the other driver was at fault
Even a perfect repair drops your car's resale value because CarFax now shows an accident. Under Ray v. Farmers Insurance Exchange (1988), the at-fault driver's insurance owes you this difference — typically $1,500–$5,000. California's statute of limitations is 3 years.
Keep your warranty documents forever
Our lifetime workmanship warranty travels with the vehicle. If you sell the car, the new owner is still covered. Keep the paperwork in your glovebox and mention the warranty when you list the car for sale — it adds value.
Money most people leave on the table
Not at fault? Even after your car is repaired, its resale value is lower because CarFax now shows an accident. The at-fault driver's insurance owes you that difference — typically $1,500 – $5,000.
Learn how to claim diminished valueKeep this in your glovebox
Print this page and stash it in your glovebox — future you will thank present you.
Need a tow or an estimate right now?
We're open Monday–Saturday, and towing runs 24/7 across the San Fernando Valley.
Also worth reading: our full FAQ, how insurance claims work, or file a claim through us.