After the crash, get it on record.
CrashLedger explains what happens after a car accident, from the scene and the police report to insurance claims, injury settlements, repairs, and replacing a vehicle.
Our guides walk through the steps, deadlines, costs, and terms you will run into, so you can follow your claim and ask the right questions.
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First steps after a crash
Checklist- 1 Make the scene safe Check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt, and move out of traffic if you can.
- 2 Document everything Photos of the vehicles, the road, and the damage, plus witness names and numbers.
- 3 Exchange information Names, insurers, policy numbers, plates, and the police report number.
- 4 Notify your insurer Report the crash promptly, even if you think the other driver was at fault.
- 5 Get checked by a doctor Some injuries show up days later, and records matter for any injury claim.
- 6 Keep a claim ledger Every bill, receipt, call, and letter, with dates, in one place.
General information only. In an emergency, call 911.
After a Crash
What to do at the scene, police reports, determining fault, and the first days after a collision.
0 articles 02Insurance Claims
Filing a claim, working with adjusters, coverage types, total losses, and disputed payouts.
0 articles 03Injury & Legal Help
Injury claims, medical bills, settlements, deadlines, and when to talk to an attorney.
0 articles 04Repairs & Replacement
Body shops, rental cars, diminished value, and financing a replacement vehicle.
0 articlesNew lessons are on the way
Our editors are preparing the first guides for this section. Check back soon.
Back to the homepageEvery stage of a claim, in one place
Built like a well-kept claim file
Every guide lays out the steps, the deadlines, the costs, and the trade-offs so you can follow your case and make your own call.
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Researched
Grounded in state insurance rules, public safety data, and established claims practice.
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Practical
Real costs, checklists, and questions to ask your insurer, doctor, or repair shop.
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Independent
Informational content only, never personalized legal, medical, or insurance advice.
Written by people who have worked the claims, the cases, and the repairs
Our editors bring hands-on experience in insurance claims, personal injury law, collision repair, and auto finance.
Meet the full team