What should you do after a car accident?

Short answer: Get to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Then document everything: a police report, photos, the other driver’s insurance details and witness contacts. See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine, and notify your insurer.

  1. Move out of traffic if you can, turn on hazard lights and check for injuries.
  2. Call police so there is an official report; you may need the report number later.
  3. Exchange names, phone numbers, plates and insurance with the other drivers.
  4. Photograph the vehicles, the scene, road signs, skid marks and any visible injuries.
  5. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses before they leave.
  6. Get medical care the same day or as soon as possible; some injuries show up later.
  7. Report the crash to your insurer. In no-fault states your own personal injury protection pays first.
  8. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before you understand your rights.
  9. Keep every bill, receipt and record of missed work.
  10. Note your state’s filing deadline, often two or three years.

Hurt in a crash? A free, confidential case review can explain your options. See also the car accident lawsuit guide.

Full guide: Car accident checklist: photos, records and claim prep

SourcesNo-fault backgroundTriple-IAuto insurance factsTriple-I

Checked against primary sources on November 13, 2026 by Mason Arnao. This is general information, not legal advice. Related: Which states are no-fault.

Insurance and filing deadlines are short

Most states allow two or three years to file an injury lawsuit, and insurers and no-fault PIP require notice much sooner. Florida allows two years for negligence actions. Fla. Stat. 95.11

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Mason Arnao

About Mason Arnao

Mason David Arnao Mason David Arnao is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and business executive based in Stuart, Florida. His career spans more than two decades in technology, automation, and lead generation systems. Arnao began his professional journey in the late 1990s as a computer technician for the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he was responsible for linking scoreboards, officials’ laptops, and stat monitors to broadcast networks. His technical precision and systems knowledge led him to join Professional Hospital Supply as a software engineer. There, he developed applications that improved data flow between medical suppliers and healthcare institutions, solidifying his foundation in enterprise-grade software development. By the early 2000's, Arnao advanced into web and SaaS infrastructure through Website Buddy LLC, a Florida-based development firm focused on building web tools for small businesses and online marketers. The experience refined his understanding of user-driven software and scalable online systems. In 2013, Arnao founded Waypoint Software, LLC, headquartered in Stuart, Florida. As President and Managing Partner, he built the company into a recognized provider of lead generation and real-time lead distribution technology. Waypoint’s software automates the acquisition, validation, and routing of consumer inquiries for marketing firms and data aggregators worldwide. The company serves hundreds of clients and is listed by the Better Business Bureau under “Sales Lead Generation.” Through Waypoint Software, Arnao has become a notable figure in the digital lead industry, combining technical engineering with automation strategy. His focus on system reliability, transparent data flow, and scalable integrations continues to position Waypoint as an industry leader in real-time lead management solutions.

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