After a crash
The order of things after a collision, from the roadside to the first call with an adjuster, and what to do when the crash is anything but routine.
At the scene
The first hour: safety, the police, the other driver and the evidence your claim will rest on.
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Start here, updated Nov 11, 2026
What to do after a car accident
Safety, the police, the other driver, the record and your insurer, in the order that protects your claim.
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Police report, updated Nov 11, 2026
When to call the police
The cases for 911, state damage thresholds from $50 to $4,000, and why a report helps after a small crash.
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Scene checklist, updated Nov 11, 2026
Information to exchange
What the law makes drivers share, the fuller list a claim needs, and what you can keep to yourself.
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Photos and records, updated Nov 11, 2026
Documenting the damage
The photos adjusters ask for, saving video and car data, protecting the car, and the records behind the numbers.
The first days
Telling your insurer, deciding whether to claim at all, and keeping the paper trail straight.
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First call, updated Nov 11, 2026
Reporting to your insurer
Your duties under the policy, what to have ready, report vs. claim, and the deadlines the insurer must meet.
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Claim or pay, updated Nov 11, 2026
Paying without a claim
The math against your deductible, what a private deal doesn't change, and how to settle with a written release.
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Injuries, updated Nov 11, 2026
Medical care after a crash
Getting checked, who pays the first bills, the deadlines that can cost benefits, and the records to keep.
Crashes that don't fit the script
No other driver to claim against, a car that isn't yours, a state you don't live in.
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Driver left, updated Nov 11, 2026
Hit-and-run accidents
What to record, why the police report matters, and when UM or collision coverage pays after a hit-and-run.
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No insurance, updated Nov 11, 2026
Accident with an uninsured driver
What to collect, how UM, UMPD and collision pay, state reports, and Louisiana's no pay, no play rule.
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Rental car, updated Nov 11, 2026
Accident in a rental car
Your policy, card benefits and the damage waiver after a rental car crash, plus the fees to expect.
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Away from home, updated Nov 11, 2026
Accident in another state
How your policy works away from home, the crash state's reporting duties, and which fault rules may apply.
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Animal crash, updated Nov 11, 2026
Hitting a deer or other animal
Why hitting an animal is usually comprehensive and swerving is collision, what to do, and the reports to make.