After checking yourself over, look around the car and talk to your passengers to see if anybody is hurt. If you or any of your passengers are injured, call the emergency services immediately. This means both the police and an ambulance.

If the road is blocked by your car or the other car involved in the accident you should call the police so they can come and close the road and avoid any further accidents. Do not in any circumstances keep driving or leave the scene of the accident before everything is taken care of. In many countries, if you fail to stop after an accident you may be charged with an offence. [5] X Research source

You should always report an accident to the police within 24 hours, but if it is not an emergency and doesn’t require the police to attend, you do not have to call from the scene of the accident. [8] X Research source If the value of the damage is above around $1000 you should call the police from the scene to report the accident immediately. [9] X Research source A minor dent or scratch will not require immediate police involvement. [10] X Research source Nevertheless, it’s best to call the police when your memory of the incident is fresh. You are likely to forget details if you try to fill in a police report later. [11] X Research source

The driver doesn’t stop or drives away without giving you the information you need. [14] X Research source The driver appears intoxicated or was driving dangerously. The driver threatens you in any way, or is aggressive and confrontational.

You should record the name, address and contact details of the other driver. Write down the driver’s licence number, licence plate number, the make and model of his car, and his insurance company. [16] X Research source

It will also be helpful if the other driver decides to file a case against you or claim that the accident caused more damage than it really did. Take photos from as many angles as you can.

After calling the police, call your insurance agency right away. You should always call the police before you call your insurance company.

You should also ask for a copy of the police report. This may take a few days, but can be important if there is a dispute about which driver was at fault. [19] X Research source