Just had an accident?

Focus on safety first. You can collect details later when it's safe.

Never step into moving traffic. If stranded on a busy roadway, stay belted inside when that is safest. Keep doors locked if threatened. If fire, smoke or another immediate danger makes staying inside unsafe, move to safety if you can do so safely. Call 911 for help.

01 / IMMEDIATE ACTION

What do I do first?

Stop and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, in danger, or emergency help is needed, call 911.
Protect yourself. Turn on hazard lights. Move the vehicle out of traffic if safe and appropriate; do not walk into traffic.
Stay and fulfill legal duties. Follow police and dispatcher instructions. If another person is threatening, call 911 for assistance with exchanging information safely.
Call a parent or trusted adult as soon as it is safe.

A vehicle that cannot be safely driven or an injury can trigger Pennsylvania police-notification requirements. See the official statute below.

02 / PENNSYLVANIA LAW

What information do I exchange?

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3744, in a qualifying crash provide your name, address and vehicle registration number to an appropriate involved person. Upon proper request, exhibit your driver's license and financial-responsibility information for inspection.

Do not volunteer: Social Security numbers, banking information, passwords or unrelated private details. You do not have to agree to a cash settlement at the scene.

These obligations are not waived because a driver is under 18. If unsafe, contact 911 rather than confronting the other driver.

03 / COMMUNICATION

What can I say?

I'm too shaken to describe it.

“I'm too shaken up to describe everything accurately right now. I'd like to wait until I've calmed down so I can recall what happened.”

This is not a reason to withhold required identification or refuse lawful police instructions. Answer truthfully; do not guess.

Someone asks if I'm injured.

If true: “I don't feel injured right now, but I'm shaken up and I'm not sure how I'll feel later.” If hurt, describe symptoms honestly and request medical help.

Someone blames me or demands payment.

“Let's make sure everyone is safe and exchange the information we're required to provide.” Don't argue about fault, guess, or promise payment.

Someone is aggressive.

Keep a safe distance or remain secured in your vehicle when safest. Call 911 and explain the threat and location.

04 / ONLY WHEN SAFE

Photo checklist

Photos are helpful, but not worth risking injury.

Each involved vehicle and license plate Close-up and wider photos of damage to each vehicle Vehicle positions, if still visible and safe Road, signs, signals, weather and debris Police incident number and witness contacts, if available

Use your phone's camera. This guide does not upload or store photos.

05 / ACCIDENT DETAILS

Save details for later

Complete only when safe and stationary. Information stays on this page while it remains open and is not sent to AFTERPACT. Use “Copy notes” to save it elsewhere. Location is optional and requires your permission.

When and where

Accident date and time (tap for phone picker or type)

View on map

Optional: use GPS to find your approximate position, or enter the accident location manually. A nearby map address may be wrong.

Accident location / address (enter or correct manually) Nearby intersection / landmark (optional) I checked the location and confirm the address or intersection I entered is correct to the best of my knowledge. GPS coordinates (approximate; editable)

GPS accuracy varies. The map pin and nearby street address may differ from your actual position. Use a safe, identifiable landmark or intersection if you cannot confirm a street number.

My direction of travel What I remember

My vehicle and insurance

My vehicle / color My license plate My insurance company My insurance company phone My policy number

Other involved vehicles

Add a separate section for each other vehicle. Include the other driver’s telephone number and insurer’s telephone number.

Police report information

Police department / agency Officer name / badge number Incident / report number Police department telephone Report or follow-up notes

Towing information

Tow company name Tow company address Tow company telephone Towing cost (quoted or paid) Where was the vehicle taken?

Witnesses or other third parties (optional)

06 / AFTER THE SCENE

What happens next?

Tell your parent or guardian, and notify your own insurer according to your policy's requirements.
If another driver may be responsible, you can ask their insurer about a third-party property-damage claim. Liability and coverage must be evaluated.
Seek medical attention for concerning or delayed symptoms; serious symptoms need urgent care.
Keep photographs, notes, police information and all involved vehicle details.
For crashes meeting Pennsylvania's reportability criteria that police do not investigate, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3747 generally requires a written report within five days. Not every minor crash requires this.