What to do after a car accident
The first hours and days matter — for safety, documentation, and your health. Here is a plain-English checklist.
Get to safety and call 911 if needed
Exchange information and photograph the scene
File a police report
Notify your insurance
Get evaluated even if you feel okay
Track symptoms over the following days
At the scene
The same day
The next 72 hours
The next week
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to the ER?
For possible serious injury — loss of consciousness, severe pain, chest pain, breathing difficulty, obvious deformity — yes. Non-emergency injuries can be evaluated by an appropriate provider afterward.
How long do I have to report a crash?
Reporting requirements vary by state and by insurance policy. In Georgia, notify your insurer promptly and follow local police-report requirements.
Should I see a chiropractor if I feel okay?
An early baseline exam is still useful — many crash-related symptoms surface 24-72 hours later.
Related auto accident care
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