A car accident is always stressful, even a light bumper tap in a parking lot. How you act in the first few minutes afterward affects how quickly the paperwork gets done, whether you receive an insurance payout, and even whether you end up blamed for something that wasn't your fault. Here's a step-by-step breakdown: from the moment of impact to the call to your insurance company.
The first 60 seconds: safety at the scene
Right after a collision, the main priority is preventing a second accident. Even a minor crash on a busy road can easily turn into something far more serious if another car rear-ends the vehicles that are already stopped.
- Turn on your hazard lights. This is the first thing to do, even before you get out of the car.
- Set out a warning triangle: about 15–20 meters from the car in the city, at least 40 meters on a highway, and 100 meters or more on high-speed roads outside town.
- Check on everyone involved. If there are injuries, call an ambulance and the police first, and only then deal with the vehicles.
- Put on a reflective vest if you're standing on the roadway. It's both a legal requirement and a matter of your own safety, especially after dark.
Do you need to call the police
Not every accident requires a police report. Here's when a joint accident statement is enough, and when you genuinely need the police.
When the police are required
- There are injuries or fatalities;
- One of the drivers has left the scene;
- The drivers can't agree on who's at fault or what happened;
- More than two vehicles were involved;
- There's a suspicion that one of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Third-party property was damaged: fences, buildings, road signs, utilities.
When a joint report is enough
If the accident is minor, no one's hurt, only two vehicles are involved with valid insurance, and there's no argument over who caused it, you can fill out a joint accident statement without calling the police. That saves real time: a patrol car can take an hour or more to arrive during busy periods.
How to fill out a joint accident report correctly
A joint accident statement is a simplified way for drivers to document a crash themselves, no police involved. Most insurers provide the form, and quite a few support an electronic version through a mobile app.
- Fill out the form in two copies, one for each driver.
- Note the exact time, location, a sketch of the accident, and the nature of the damage.
- Both drivers sign the document, and that signature means agreement with the described version of events.
- Take photos of the scene, the damage, license plates, VINs, and the other driver's documents.
- Submit the report and photos to your insurer within the required timeframe. It's usually a few business days, but check your specific policy.
How to document the damage and circumstances
Thorough documentation protects you if the case is later disputed with the insurance company or in court, more so if the other driver changes their story later on.
- Take wide shots showing the vehicles' positions on the road, skid marks, debris, spilled fluids.
- Take close-up photos of each area of damage separately.
- Photograph both license plates, the VIN, insurance policy, and the other driver's license.
- Get contact details from any witnesses, this can be decisive if fault is disputed later.
- Note road signs, markings, and traffic signals at the scene, this matters for reconstructing an objective picture of what happened.
When you can't do without a tow truck
Not every accident ends with a car that can still drive away. Here are the situations where calling a tow truck stops being a nice-to-have and becomes a must.
- Suspension or steering damage: bent wheels, a broken suspension, or the car pulling to one side.
- A punctured radiator or engine damage. Driving further can finish off the engine entirely.
- A jammed steering wheel or gearbox from the impact.
- Deployed airbags. It's not recommended to keep driving the car before it's been checked at a shop.
- The car needs to be moved for an independent damage assessment, or the insurer requires it.
In these cases, we tow vehicles from accident scenes on a flatbed with soft strap fixation, no risk of further damage, and all evidence needed for the assessment stays intact. If the accident happened outside the city, our crews also cover the region: check our service area page for details.
Next steps with your insurer
Once the accident is documented, whether by a joint report or with police involvement, the process with your insurance company begins.
- Notify your insurer within the timeframe set by your policy, usually 24 to 72 hours.
- Submit all photos, videos, and documents collected at the scene.
- Wait for the independent damage assessment before starting any repairs. Otherwise you risk losing your payout.
- Keep every receipt for towing, storage, or a temporary replacement vehicle: many of these can be reimbursed under comprehensive coverage.
Common mistakes after an accident
| Mistake | Why it's risky |
|---|---|
| Leaving the scene without documenting anything | Can be treated as leaving the scene of an accident, a serious offense |
| Starting repairs before the insurer's assessment | The company can refuse the payout since the damage can no longer be objectively verified |
| Not photographing or filming the scene | You'll have nothing to back up your version if fault is disputed |
| Agreeing to settle "on the spot" without paperwork for serious damage | A verbal agreement has no legal weight, and the promised compensation may never arrive |
Bottom line
The main rule after an accident is to stay calm and follow a clear sequence: safety, documentation, paperwork, and, if needed, police and a tow truck. The more methodically you handle it, the faster and smoother things go with your insurer afterward. And if the car can't drive any further on its own, just call us, we handle accident recovery around the clock. We'll come and carefully deliver it wherever you need, whether that's a repair shop, an impound lot, or home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need to call the police after an accident?
No. If the accident is minor, only two drivers are involved, both agree on fault, and both have valid insurance, you can fill out a joint accident report without the police. The police are required if there are injuries, a dispute over fault, more than two vehicles, or suspected intoxication.
How much time do I have to submit a joint accident report to my insurer?
It's usually a few business days from the accident, but the exact deadline depends on your specific policy. Check with your insurer in advance so you know your terms.
Can I move the vehicles before the police arrive?
If the police have been called and there's a dispute over fault or injuries involved, don't move the vehicles until they arrive, unless leaving them in place creates a traffic safety hazard.
What should I do if the other driver leaves the scene?
Note the license plate and make of the car if you can, photograph the scene, and call the police immediately. This is treated as a hit-and-run.
Can I drive to a repair shop myself after a crash if the car still starts?
Only if there's no visible damage to the suspension, steering, or brakes, and the airbags haven't deployed. Otherwise, it's safer to call a tow truck: no reason to risk making the damage worse on the road.
Who pays for towing from the accident scene?
If you have comprehensive coverage, towing is usually included, check with your insurer. If you're only working with basic liability coverage and a joint report, the person requesting the tow usually pays upfront and can claim it back from the at-fault driver later.