What to Do After a Car Accident: Your Guide to Safety and Claims

Car accidents are stressful and can happen to you when you least expect them. When you know what to do after a car accident, it will help you stay calm, protect yourself and make sure you follow the law. Whether the accident was your fault or the accident is not your fault, these steps can help you handle the situation smoothly.

After an accident, you should stay calm, follow the right steps and act quickly and correctly as it might help protect you and your passengers.

It is important that you document everything, such as the damage to each vehicle, the accident scene and any other thing that might be relevant. You should use dash cams for car accidents as the recorded video you captured can be used as proof if there are disagreements about what happened.

• Take Photos and Videos: Use your dash cam car accident footage but also supplement this by taking clear photos of each vehicle involved, any visible injuries and road conditions like wet pavement or fallen signs.
• Timestamp Evidence: Dash cams usually add a timestamp to your video footage automatically which is very helpful for insurance claims and any legal cases.
• Capture Key Information: Get multiple angles if possible. Try to capture the positions of all vehicles, any skid marks, street signs and even weather conditions like rain or fog.

Make sure you exchange details with all people involved in the accident, such as names, insurance information and vehicle registration numbers. You can also ask for the contact details of any witnesses. Write everything down or take a photo of their insurance card and driver’s license so you don’t miss anything important.

If there are any injuries, even if they seem minor, you should call emergency services right away because it’s always better to be safe. In some states like California or Texas, you have to call the police to the scene if you want to file an official insurance claim. Paramedics can also check for hidden injuries that you might not notice right away.

You should immediately inform your insurance provider about the accident and give them all the information you’ve collected, such as photos, dash cam video and any reports from the police. Sharing footage from your dash cam, if your dash cam recorded the incident, can help speed up your claim and make sure the details are accurate.

You should never leave the scene of an accident, even if it seems minor at first. In most places and especially in states like Florida, it is illegal to drive away. Always stop, check on others and exchange information. If you leave, you could face fines, license suspension or even criminal charges.

Even if you think the accident happened because of you, do not admit it right away or say sorry to the other driver. If you admit the fault at the scene, it might be used against you later. You should wait for the police, insurance agents, and experts to figure out who is truly responsible.

If you feel any pain, stiffness or discomfort, you should get checked by a doctor right away. Injuries like whiplash or internal bruising aren’t always obvious at the scene. Waiting too long for medical care could not only hurt your health but also make it harder to get insurance compensation.

You should avoid posting details, photos or opinions about the accident on social media. What you post can be used against you in court or by insurance companies so the safest thing you can do is keep your social media private and not share any details about the crash.

You should not settle an accident privately by just shaking hands or agreeing with the other person without involving insurance or law enforcement. This can result in future legal issues and cause problems when you try to make an insurance claim.

If you have a dash cam, your footage is one of the best pieces of evidence you can have. Save the video right away after the accident happens and back it up if possible.

Always request a copy of the police report. This document has an official record of how the accident happened and who was found at fault. It is very important for making your claim and defending your rights.

Once you have all the evidence, get in touch with the insurance company of the person who caused the accident. Share your details, dash cam footage, photos and the police report.

Sometimes, you might need to get your car fixed quickly and can’t wait for the insurance process. If this is the case, save all your repair receipts and paperwork.

If the other insurance company tries to deny your claim or takes too long, your dash cam footage can be a strong bargaining tool. Use it to support your side in negotiations, appeals or even if your case goes to a lawyer for review.

Dash cams don’t miss what happens during a crash. If someone else caused the crash, your dash cam captures all the details, helping you show you were not to blame. This is important if there are disagreements about who caused the accident or if the other driver changes their story later.

Even if the accident is your fault, a dash cam is still helpful. The footage can help you show what really happened, especially if someone claims more damage than there really is. This protects you from having to pay extra or being blamed for things you didn’t do.

If both you and another driver played a part—maybe you were both distracted or driving too fast—a dash cam captures both sides. This can help make sure you aren’t blamed for the whole accident when it wasn’t totally your fault.

Insurance companies need facts to make fair decisions about your claim. Dash cam video gives them straight evidence of what happened, making the settlement process less stressful and usually faster, since there’s less arguing.

If someone says you were driving dangerously, your dash cam can defend you and show that you were following traffic rules. This can lower your risk of getting a ticket or being sued.

When it comes to protecting yourself on the road, a dash cam is a small investment that can give you big peace of mind. RedTiger have many dash cams you may want to think about if you want clear and reliable footage for both regular commutes and long trips.

The RedTiger F17Elite is great for those who need sharp, clear video at all times. With 4K video of the front and 1080p of the rear, plus full-color night vision, it captures vivid details even in complete darkness. You’ll never miss important details.

Features

• 4K front and 1080p rear with 2.5k Interior
• GPS tracking
• Color Night Vision
• G-sensor for automatic footage locking
• Parking mode with 24/7 surveillance
• 3 Inch Touch screen
• Up to $100 Off – Limited Time! 

“Dash cam is a work of wonders during the night, it looks like it’s daytime and even caught moments where even I didn’t expect something” - Christopher A. (Verified purchase)

If you want something more affordable that still works great, the RedTiger F77 is a good choice for most drivers.

Features:

• 4k front and rear
• Wide-angle lens
• Loop recording
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Parking mode
• Up to $80 Off – Limited Time! 

“First day with camera installed going to work. Caught a little accident in the early morning rain. The license plates are clearly visible of vehicles in front.” - Chris C. (Verified purchase)

In California, you need to report every accident that involves injury or property damage, even if it looks small. It’s important to gather all evidence for your insurance company and talk to the police when necessary. Not reporting can hurt your claim or even break the law, so always let the authorities and your insurance company know what happened.

Texas uses “comparative fault” rules. This means if both drivers are a little at fault, the costs and blame can be shared. Your dash cam footage can help show your side of the story and prove if the other driver was more at fault than you. This can make a huge difference in how your claim is handled and how much responsibility you face.

Florida has a “no-fault” insurance system which means your own insurance pays for many types of accidents no matter who caused them. However, dash cam footage is still very useful if there’s a serious injury or argument about who is to blame. It helps make sure claims are processed correctly and fairly.

Accidents are unpredictable, but when you have the right tools and knowledge, you can make sure you’re ready for whatever happens. With a RedTiger Dash Cam, you will always have video proof to protect yourself—whether the accident is your fault or not your fault.

Do dash cams help with car accidents?

Yes, dash cams record clear video proof of what happens in an accident. This helps protect you from false claims and makes the insurance process much smoother and faster.

What to do with a dash cam after an accident?

After an accident, save the video footage right away. Make backups if you can. This evidence will help you with insurance claims, repairs or any legal problems.

How to claim insurance if it's not your fault?

If the accident is not your fault, use your dash cam footage, the police report and the other driver’s insurance details to file your claim. Share all details and evidence to help your insurance company quickly and fairly process your claim.