Key takeaways
- Safety first: hazard lights, a warning triangle, everyone out of the traffic. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt.
- Record the scene before the cars are moved, if it’s safe: wide shots, close-ups, plates, road signs.
- Swap names, contacts, plate numbers and insurance details with the other driver. Don’t admit fault.
- Fill in the accident report together if your country uses one, and tell your insurer quickly: deadlines are often a few days.
A collision, even a minor one, is a shock. Your hands shake, other drivers are honking, and someone may be shouting. That’s exactly when people forget the details that matter later for the insurance claim or a police report. This checklist works in most countries; the exact forms and deadlines change from one country to another, so check the local rules once you’re safe.
1. Stop and make the scene safe
Never drive away from an accident you’re involved in: in almost every country, leaving the scene is an offence in itself. Stop as close to the scene as you safely can, switch on your hazard lights and turn off the engine.
- Put on a high-visibility vest if you have one, and place the warning triangle well behind the cars.
- Get everyone out of the vehicles and behind the barrier or onto the pavement, away from traffic.
- Don’t smoke, and watch for leaking fuel.
2. Check for injuries and call for help
If anyone is hurt, unconscious, trapped or in pain, call the emergency number straight away (112 in Europe and from most mobiles, 911 in North America, 999 in the UK, 19 for the police and 15 for the Civil Protection in Morocco). Don’t move an injured person unless they’re in immediate danger, such as a fire. See /blog/emergency-numbers-around-the-world/ for other countries.
Even if no one seems hurt, call the police when the other driver is aggressive, has no insurance, refuses to give their details, seems drunk, or when a public vehicle or property is damaged.
3. Record the evidence before anything moves
If it’s safe, take photos and a short video before the cars are moved. Evidence is strongest in the first minutes, and it’s often the only thing that settles a disagreement later. Our guide /blog/how-to-photograph-a-car-accident-scene/ lists the shots to take. In short:
- Wide shots from several angles showing the position of each car and the road layout.
- Close-ups of every damage, on both cars, and of the number plates.
- Road signs, traffic lights, road markings, skid marks and debris.
- The weather, the lighting and the road surface.
Write down or record a voice note of what happened while it’s fresh: the time, your speed, where you were coming from and going to, and what the other driver said.
4. Exchange details with the other driver
Ask for and note: full name, phone number, address, driving licence number, plate number, make and colour of the car, insurance company and policy number. A photo of their insurance certificate and licence is quicker and avoids spelling mistakes, if they agree.
Stay polite and factual. Don’t say “it was my fault” or sign anything you don’t understand. Fault is decided later by insurers, the police or a court, based on the evidence.
5. Talk to witnesses
Independent witnesses are precious. Ask for their name and phone number, and whether they’d agree to confirm what they saw. If they’re willing, record a short voice note of their account on the spot.
6. Fill in the accident report
Many countries use a joint accident report form, signed by both drivers at the scene: the European Accident Statement in Europe, the constat amiable in France, Belgium and Morocco. It describes the circumstances with tick boxes and a sketch, and each driver keeps a copy. Read /blog/how-to-fill-in-a-car-accident-report-form/ before you sign one. Where no such form exists, a police report or your own written statement plays that role.
7. Tell your insurer, and see a doctor
Insurers usually require you to declare an accident within a short delay, often a few working days. Send them the report, your photos and the other driver’s details. Our guide /blog/how-to-file-a-car-insurance-claim/ explains what to include.
If you feel any pain, even the next day, see a doctor and keep the medical certificate. Some injuries, such as whiplash, only show after a few hours. See /blog/injured-in-a-car-accident-medical-records/.
How Chameleon AI helps on the spot
Chameleon AI opens straight on the camera, even from your lock screen, and works with no signal. Each photo and video gets a fingerprint and the time and place of capture, and is encrypted on your device. When you’re ready, the AI writes a clear report of what your evidence shows, then a step-by-step plan based on official sources of the country where it happened, including a factual statement you can export as a PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call the police after a minor accident?
It depends on the country. In many places, police are only required when someone is injured, a driver has no insurance or refuses to cooperate, or public property is damaged. When in doubt, or if the other driver is aggressive or seems impaired, call them.
Can I move my car after an accident?
If the cars block traffic and no one is hurt, many countries ask you to move them to a safe place after taking photos of their position. If someone is injured, leave the vehicles where they are until the police arrive, unless there’s an immediate danger.
What if the other driver drives away?
Note the plate number, the make, the colour and the direction they went, ask witnesses for their details and call the police right away. Our guide on hit-and-run accidents explains the next steps.
General information to help you get organised, not legal advice. Procedures and numbers can change: confirm them with the office concerned, and in danger call your local emergency number first.
