ClaimFinch

After a crash

Just been in a crash? Here's what to do next.

Get checked by a doctor, keep every record and know your deadline. Check your claim in about 60 seconds. It's free, with no obligation.

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What kind of accident were you in?

Car accidentTruck or commercial vehicleUber or LyftMotorcycleHit while walking or cyclingSomething else

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What to do after a car accident

The short answer

Check for injuries first and call 911 if anyone is hurt. In Arizona and Georgia, drivers involved in a crash have to stop, share their details and help anyone who's injured. After that, take photos, get the other driver's information and see a doctor soon, even if you feel okay. Keep every bill and letter, because the clock on your claim starts on the day of the crash.

Safety comes first at the scene

If you can, move to a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers, then check the people in the other car.

Call 911 if anyone is hurt or might be hurt. If someone has trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a head injury or passes out, get emergency care right away. Don't move someone who may have a neck or back injury unless they're in danger where they are.

What the law asks of drivers

  • In Arizona, drivers in a crash that hurts someone, or damages a car that's being driven or has someone with it, must give their name, address and vehicle registration, show their license if asked, and give reasonable help to anyone injured (A.R.S. § 28-663).
  • In Arizona, if anyone is hurt or killed, the driver must notify the local police, sheriff or highway patrol right away by the quickest means (A.R.S. § 28-666).
  • In Georgia, drivers must stop, share their name, address and registration, show their license if asked, help anyone hurt and stay until that's done (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270).
  • In Georgia, drivers must notify police right away if anyone is hurt or killed, or if property damage appears to be over an amount set in the law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273).

The 3-Point Claim Check

  1. 1

    An injury

    You were hurt, even if it didn't seem serious at first.

  2. 2

    Someone else at fault

    Another driver or company caused the crash.

  3. 3

    Insurance coverage

    There's a policy that may cover what happened.

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Gather what you can before you leave

  • Photos of both cars, the road, traffic signs, skid marks and anything that blocked your view.
  • The other driver's name, phone number, insurance company, policy number and license plate.
  • Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
  • The officer's name and the report number, if police came.
  • A quick voice memo or note about what happened, while it's fresh.

The first few days after

See a doctor soon, even if you only feel sore. Some injuries take hours or days to show up, and a visit creates a record that ties your care to the crash.

Tell your own insurance company about the crash, since most policies ask you to report it. If the other driver's insurer calls, you can take their details and say you'll call back. You don't have to give a recorded statement on the first call. Keep a folder for bills, receipts, missed work and every letter you get.

Deadlines start running right away

In both states, you generally have 2 years from the crash to file an injury lawsuit (A.R.S. § 12-542, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). If a city, county or state vehicle was involved, the deadlines are much shorter.

In Arizona, a notice of claim against a public entity is due within 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01) and a lawsuit within 1 year (A.R.S. § 12-821). In Georgia, notice is due within 6 months for a city (O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5) and 12 months for a county (O.C.G.A. § 36-11-1) or the state (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26). It's free to check your claim, and you don't have to go ahead.

How it works

  1. 1

    Answer a few questions

    Tell us what happened. It takes about a minute.

  2. 2

    A local attorney's office calls you

    If it looks like you might have a claim, we match you with one participating attorney near you, and their office gives you a quick call.

  3. 3

    They explain your options for free

    No upfront attorney's fees, and they're only paid if you recover.

Common questions

Do I have to call the police after a car accident?

In Arizona, you must notify police if anyone is hurt or killed (A.R.S. § 28-666). In Georgia, you must notify police if anyone is hurt or killed, or if property damage appears to be over the amount set in the law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273). Even when it isn't required, a police report can help later.

Should I apologize at the scene?

It's natural to want to be kind, and checking on people is the right thing to do. Try to stick to the facts and avoid guessing about who caused the crash. Fault usually gets sorted out later, once all the evidence is in.

What if I feel fine after the crash?

That's good news, but it's still smart to get checked. Neck strain and concussion symptoms can take time to appear. If new pain or symptoms show up later, see a doctor and keep a note of when they started.

Related guides

Delayed symptoms after a car accidentCan you claim without a police report?Before you talk to the adjuster

Last reviewed October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different.

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Answer a few quick questions. If it looks like you may have a claim, a local injury attorney's office will give you a call soon, so keep your phone close. You don't have to go ahead.