Article by:
Steve Tanner
You probably bring your phone with you while you're driving, and have enough sense to keep your eyes off the screen and on the road. But do you know who to call after a car accident?
Depending on the seriousness of the crash, you may need to contact emergency services, the police, your insurance company, your doctor, and an attorney. It may sound simple now, but knowing exactly what to do when you get in a car crash can help ensure you save valuable time, receive the medical care you may need, and get the settlement you deserve.
Certain immediate and follow-up tasks after a car accident are important for meeting your medical needs, complying with the law, and backing up your insurance claim. It can sometimes be confusing, but your agent can help you through the process. Take a focused look at who to call after car accidents, whether they’re minor fender benders or serious collisions.
Your first priority is to check and see if you, your passengers, or anyone else involved in a car accident requires emergency medical services; and make sure you move your vehicle out of the path of traffic or other hazards, if possible.
If anyone is seriously injured, don’t move them unless they’re in immediate danger. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if anyone’s injuries appear to be serious, but keep in mind that some injuries are not always obvious at first. Also, be sure to mention any obvious hazards that need immediate attention, such as leaking fuel or cars blocking traffic.
Your shortlist of who to call after a car accident should include the police, and may be required under state law for accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or a certain amount of vehicle damage. But even without injuries or serious damage, filing a police report can help substantiate your claim if there’s a factual dispute. If you’ve already dialed 911 to report serious injuries or other immediate danger, police may arrive with emergency responders — but don’t assume this.
Here are the legal requirements for contacting the police after a car accident in select northeastern states:
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State |
Damage threshold and injury rule |
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Any injury, death, or >$1,000 total property damage |
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Any injury, death, or >$1,000 total property damage |
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Any injury, death, or >$1,000 total property damage |
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Any injury, death, or >$500 total property damage |
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Any injury, death, domestic animal injury or death, damage to public property, or damage to a parked vehicle/property where the owner can’t be located |
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Any injury, death, or damage requiring towing |
In the hours and days following a car accident, what to do and who to call next may depend on your circumstances. If you’re seriously injured, maybe in a hospital bed or even unconscious, then certain tasks can wait. But it’s important to call your insurance company as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident. Calling your insurer or agent early can help expedite the car insurance claims process, which may help you get a better settlement and avoid delays in coverage.
Other reasons may include:
Policy requirements. Many auto insurance policies contain language requiring policyholders to contact their insurer following an accident, even if they might not file a claim.
No-fault states. In no-fault and choice no-fault states (including Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania), you’ll have to bring any injury claims under your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy first.
Likely dispute over fault. If the other party claims you’re at fault, even though you believe otherwise, failing to promptly call your insurance company could hamper the investigation.
Other policy benefits. If the other party is an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM or UIM), you may need to file a claim for UM or UIM coverage; or, you may need to claim medical payment benefits to cover your health insurance policy’s deductible.
Your agent can help you determine your next steps after a collision if you need guidance, since it’s not always clear whether you need to report it to authorities or what types of compensation you may want to pursue. Some situations can be quite complex, such as crashes involving rental cars or uninsured motorists, and your agent can be a helpful resource.
You might not have your doctor in mind for who to call after a car accident if you left the scene relatively unscathed. But, as mentioned earlier, not all injuries are obvious at first. For example, discomfort or pain can be temporarily masked by adrenaline and certain endorphins, part of the body’s fight-or-flight response to trauma. This means pain associated with brain, spinal, and soft tissue injuries may not surface until the next day or several days later.
The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), of which car accidents are the third-leading cause, may be delayed for hours or days. Similarly, the sensations indicative of whiplash also may not be apparent until days after a car accident. It’s important to treat these injuries as soon as possible to prevent further complications such as chronic pain.
All of this is to say you really should consider scheduling a checkup with your doctor following a car accident, even if you don’t suspect you’ve been injured. Seemingly minor symptoms like headaches or neck soreness, meanwhile, should be taken seriously.
It’s not always necessary to call a lawyer after a car accident, but their services can be important in some circumstances. If it’s a minor, low-speed collision with no injuries, you probably won't need legal representation. But as discussed earlier, undetected injuries, hidden vehicle damage, and other complications may arise days or weeks after the incident occurred.
Some of the main reasons to consider calling an attorney after a car accident include:
Knowing what to do and who to call after a car accident can have a major impact on your ability to recover from any losses you may have sustained. No one likes to think about the possibility of a car crash, but it’s important to get ahead of the curve. Learn how to connect with an independent insurance agent who can help steer you in the right direction and ensure you’re properly covered.
Legal Disclaimer: The views of the author are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Plymouth Rock. This article is intended to provide general insurance information. It is not intended to constitute professional legal advice, nor should it be relied on as legal advice. References to state or federal legal requirements may not be current, as laws regularly change through legislation, regulations, and case law. If you have questions, you should seek the advice of a licensed insurance agent or an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Actual insurance coverage is subject to the policy as issued.
Plymouth Rock Assurance® and Plymouth Rock® are brand names and service marks used by separate underwriting, managed insurance, and management companies that offer property and casualty insurance in multiple states pursuant to licensing agreements. Each underwriting and managed insurance company is a separate legal entity that is financially responsible only for its own insurance products. A full list of underwriting companies by state can be found on our states licensed & disclaimers page. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policy as issued. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, features and benefits are not available in all states and companies, and premiums may vary by purchase method. PA Residents: we reserve the right to refuse to quote any individual a premium rate for the insurance advertised herein.