Car Accident ReDo List → morethan.technology

Hopefully this isn’t a list that you will constantly need to ReDo, but if an accident does happen, its worth being prepared.


  • Stop at Scene. You are always required to stop at the accident scene if you think that your accident has caused injuries to people, other vehicles or roadside signs, bollards, lights or other fixtures.
  • Emergency services Required?. Call “999”/“911” for Emergency Services immediately if anyone involved in the accident needs urgent medical attention - ask the operator for an ambulance service. If the stretch of road that the accident occurred on is blocked or damaged - ask the operator for the police. If someone who was involved leaves the scene of the accident without exchanging details - ask the operator for the police.
  • Exchange Details with other drivers. All drivers involved in the accident (including you) must exchange details. These details should ideally include: Name, Address, Telephone (work, home, mobile), Vehicle Registration, Vehicle Make, Vehicle Model, Insurance Company, and Policy Number.
  • Call Insurance Company. Use their 800-number immediately, even at the scene (with the police if possible). Sometimes the police officer can give your insurance company more accurate information rather than information you may not be recording properly because you are upset by the accident.
  • Safely Clear Vehicles. If circumstances allow, clear the vehicles out of the way to minimise obstruction to traffic and risk of further collision. If your car does not work, turn on your warning lights or open your hood to warn other drivers in the area. Your safety is most important.
  • Driver Details. Obtain information from the all other drivers involved in the car accident, including: Name, Address, City, Telephone Numbers (mobile, home & work), Email, Insurance Company, Policy Number, Coverage Limits (liability)
  • Other Driver’s State. Record the state of the other drivers in the accident: were they inebriated or using a mobile phone etc.
  • Witness Details. Obtain information from the all witnesses including: Name, Address, Telephone (mobile, home & work), Email and Vehicle Registration.
  • Police Officer Details. Name, Badge Number, City
  • Other Car Details. Make, Model, Year, Colour, License Plate. What damage and where. Don’t just assume the license plate number will do because most insurance companies only record the type of car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate number.
  • Accident information. Date, Time, Direction of travel, Weather.
  • Take pictures. Try to record everything involved in the car accident, as long as it can be done safely. Pictures should include each car driver, each automobile in the accident showing any property damage, skid marks (length), other damage to property, as well as the location of the automobile accident (street signs). Points of collision. The more pictures the better. When in doubt, take pictures.
  • Schedule Doctor Appointment. Sometimes there are injuries right after an accident takes place, but many people who are injured do not realize it right after an accident. Therefore, it is always wise to see your doctor to make sure that you are ok.
  • Consult Accident Attorney. Before speaking to the insurance company, consult an experienced auto accident attorney. Many times the insurance companies will try to settle for less than you deserve, especially when injuries are involved. It is a great idea to find out all of your options with a FREE telephone or office consultation.
  • Draw Accident Diagram. Try to record the positions of the cars and direction of travel. Skid marks (with length), points of impact, other damage to property.
  • File Report with the Police. Even in a minor accident it is important to make sure there is a legal accident report. Do not leave the scene until the police file a full report.
  • Only Discuss Accident with the Police. With everyone all shook up it can be hard not to talk about what just happened, but that can also lead to you not thinking clearly and accurately about what happened. It is important to limit your discussion of the accident and not to admit any fault or liability. You should talk about the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.