Accident — What to do right after a crash

Accidents happen in seconds. The next few minutes decide safety, health, and how easy the follow-up will be. Stay calm, breathe, and move through simple, practical steps so you don’t make things worse.

First, check for danger. If fuel is leaking or there’s fire risk, get everyone away from the vehicle to a safe place. Call 112 immediately for medical help and police — 112 is India’s national emergency number and will connect you to ambulance, police, or fire services as needed.

Check people for injuries. If someone is unconscious, try to keep their airway open and avoid moving them unless they’re in immediate danger. For bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth. If you know basic first aid, use it. If you don’t, wait for the ambulance and avoid risky moves.

Reporting the accident and collecting evidence

Call the police even for minor crashes. A police report (FIR or accident report) creates an official record that insurance companies and courts accept. While you wait, use your phone to take clear photos of the scene: vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any injuries. Capture registration numbers and the other driver’s license, insurance details, and name. Ask witnesses for their names and numbers — eyewitness accounts help later.

Don’t admit fault on the spot or sign statements you don’t understand. Stick to facts when talking to police and other drivers: locations, times, what happened. Admitting blame can harm your legal and insurance position even if you think you’re at fault.

Medical care and insurance steps

Get medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor. Some problems like internal injuries or whiplash show up later. Keep all medical records, prescriptions, bills, and diagnostic reports — these are vital for insurance claims and any legal action. If you’re taken to a hospital, get a copy of the admission and treatment notes.

Inform your insurer as soon as you can. Most companies expect notification quickly — often within 24–48 hours — and will guide you through claims, cashless hospital options (if available), and towing or repair procedures. Preserve receipts for any expenses you pay out of pocket.

If the crash is serious, talk to a lawyer who handles motor accident cases. They can explain compensation options and handle communication with police and insurance companies. Keep a folder (physical or digital) with the FIR, medical files, vehicle repair estimates, and all correspondence.

To reduce the chance of accidents in future: wear seatbelts, helmets, avoid phone use while driving, observe speed limits, and never drive under the influence. Regular vehicle maintenance and defensive driving pay off.

If you follow these steps, you protect your health, your legal position, and your claim. Stay safe on the road and save this checklist somewhere handy for when it matters most.