Updated October 16, 2026.
After a collision, completing one task does not necessarily complete another. A police call, insurance claim and court filing are separate actions. Keeping them distinct makes it easier to identify what is still needed without relying on an all-or-nothing checklist.
1. Emergency help
Call 911 for an emergency and follow responders’ instructions. Do not enter traffic for photographs. Decisions about moving or exiting a vehicle depend on immediate conditions.
2. Information exchange and agency reporting
Record the people, vehicles and responding agency. Ask how to complete required reporting or follow-up for your circumstances. Do not assume a property-damage threshold used for one report defines every stop-and-assist obligation.
3. DMV reporting
The DMV SR-1 instructions describe its separate ten-day reporting requirement for qualifying injury, death or property-damage incidents. Keep the submitted copy and confirmation; a police or insurer report does not replace it.
4. Insurance notice
Check your actual policy and reporting instructions. Record each insurer and claim number. A repair claim may not address every injury coverage. Ask about unclear requests rather than refusing all statements indiscriminately.
5. Medical care
Seek appropriate care and follow qualified clinical guidance. Describe symptoms and prior conditions accurately. There is no single treatment schedule that establishes every injury claim, and delayed care does not automatically decide liability.
6. Evidence preservation
Keep original photos, video, messages, witness details and vehicle-location records. Ask about inspection before repair or salvage. Do not delete relevant online material or alter records to strengthen a claim.
7. Legal deadline and representation review
Ask which deadlines and procedures apply, particularly where a public entity or unusual circumstance is involved. A consultation, investigation or negotiation does not automatically extend them.
Confirm whether representation has been accepted and what it covers. Review fees and case expenses separately; hiring a lawyer does not guarantee a larger net recovery.
Our after-accident guide adds practical organization. Contact Fairmont Law Firm for a free case review at (800) 324-7666; intake assistance is available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
General information, not legal or medical advice.