Car Accident Scene Checklist

Step-by-step guide for what to do after a car accident. Fill in driver info, insurance details, witness contacts, and photo prompts on the scene — then download a formatted PDF to share with your insurer or attorney. Nothing leaves your device.

0 of 6 sections completed

Safety & Scene Details

Move to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights. Do NOT admit fault.

Date of accident

Time of accident

Location / Address Weather conditions Your brief description of what happened Police called? Police report number (if available)

Other Driver Information

Collect this from every other driver involved. Add additional drivers below.

Your Vehicle & Insurance

Your name

Your phone

License plate

State / Province

Vehicle year, make, model

Color

Your insurance company Policy number Insurance phone / claims line Damage description (your vehicle)

Photo & Evidence Checklist

Check off each photo as you take it. Unchecked items will be flagged as "not captured" in your PDF.

Additional notes on photos / video

Witnesses

Ask bystanders if they saw the accident. Get their contact info before they leave.

No witnesses? Note why:

Insurance Contact Log

Record when you contacted your insurer and what was said. Useful if disputes arise later.

Date & time you called your insurer

Representative name / agent Claim number assigned Key points discussed / next steps Attorney / legal counsel (if retained)

Summary & Download

Photos checked

Other drivers

Witnesses

Fields filled

Your PDF will include all entered information, checked/unchecked photo items, and a date-stamped title. Nothing is sent to any server.

How it works

1. Fill on the sceneWork through all 6 steps while details are fresh — other driver info, photos, witnesses, and your insurer.

2. Check off photosEach photo prompt explains exactly what angle or detail to capture. Checked = done; unchecked = flagged.

3. Download PDFpdf-lib generates a structured A4 PDF in your browser. The file never leaves your device.

4. Submit to insurerAttach the PDF to your claim email or hand it to your adjuster. Attorneys appreciate the organized format too.

This tool does not provide legal advice. Always contact your insurer promptly and consult an attorney if injuries or disputes are involved.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident?: First, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move vehicles out of traffic if safe to do so and turn on hazard lights. Do not admit fault or apologize — anything you say can be used against you. Then work through this checklist: document the scene, collect the other driver's info, take photos, get witness contacts, and call your insurer as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours.
What information do I need from the other driver?: You need: full name, driver's license number and issuing state, vehicle license plate and state, vehicle year/make/model/color, insurance company name, and policy number. Also note the other driver's phone number. This checklist includes a field for each of these items. If the other driver refuses to provide information, note their plate number and wait for police.
What photos should I take at an accident scene?: Photograph: (1) both vehicles from all four sides, (2) close-ups of all visible damage, (3) the license plates of all vehicles involved, (4) the overall scene showing positions of vehicles, (5) skid marks, debris, or road conditions, (6) street signs, traffic lights, or signals, (7) any injuries (with consent), and (8) the other driver's license and insurance card. This checklist walks you through each photo with a prompt. More photos is always better — courts and adjusters rely heavily on visual evidence.
Does this tool store my data anywhere?: No. Everything you type stays in your browser's memory only. The PDF is generated entirely client-side using pdf-lib.js — no data is sent to any server, and nothing is saved when you close the tab. Download your PDF before closing the page.
Can I use this PDF as an official accident report?: This PDF is an organized personal record, not an official government or insurance form. It is intended to help you organize and remember the facts while they are fresh, and to give your insurer or attorney a clear summary. Your insurer will have their own claim forms, and your state's DMV may require a separate accident report if damage exceeds a threshold (commonly $1,000–$2,000 depending on state). Use this document as a supplement.