What to Do After a Minor Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Drivers

Stay Calm and Ensure Everyone’s Safety

Accidents, even minor ones, can be unsettling, especially for new drivers. The key is to stay calm, take a deep breath, and focus on safety first. In Washington (WA), your immediate priority after a fender bender is to ensure no one is hurt and to prevent further hazards on the road.

Here’s what you should do right away:

1. Move vehicles if safe – If the cars are drivable and no one is seriously injured, your first priority is to move them to the side of the road for your safety and to avoid blocking traffic.
2. Check for injuries – Ask if anyone in your car or the other vehicle is hurt. Call 911 immediately if there are injuries.
   
3. Turn on hazard lights – This alerts oncoming drivers to slow down and avoid your vehicle.  If it is dark, leave you headlights on low beam.
   
4. Stay inside if unsafe – If the area feels dangerous, like a busy highway, stay in your car with seat belts fastened until help arrives.
   

Remaining composed helps you think clearly and handle the situation responsibly. WMST instructors often remind students that calmness and awareness in emergencies can make all the difference in ensuring everyone’s safety.

What Information to Exchange with Other Drivers?

Once everyone is safe, it’s time to collect essential details for insurance and legal purposes. Washington law requires drivers involved in any collision to exchange accurate information, even for minor accidents.

Here’s what you should share and collect:

If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact numbers as well. Their statements can help clarify what happened if there’s a dispute later.

Avoid admitting fault, even casually. Simply exchange facts. Determining responsibility is a job for insurance companies and, in some cases, law enforcement.

For extra assurance, take clear photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved, visible damages, and road conditions. These images are invaluable during insurance claims.  It is also advisable to diagram the accident scene with the direction and position of each vehicle involved.

When to Call Police or Insurance in WA?

Washington law has specific requirements about when an accident must be reported. Even for a minor collision, it’s crucial to understand when and whom to notify.

1. Contact Law Enforcement

You’re required to report an accident to the police or Washington State Patrol if:

• Someone is injured or killed
• A vehicle must be towed
• Property damage appears to exceed $1,000
  

If an officer responds to the scene, they’ll complete a police report. Otherwise, you must file your own Collision Report with the WA Department of Licensing (DOL) within 4 days, which can be completed online.

2. Notify Your Insurance Provider

If the accident is your fault and any involved vehicle needs repair, open a claim with your insurance carrier.  If it is the other party’s fault, you can work with their insurance carrier or your insurance carrier.  Depending on your claims history, you might consider using the other party’s insurance. 

Most insurance companies require immediate notification, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the crash. Provide them with:

• Photos and notes from the scene
• The other driver’s information
• A copy of the police or collision report, if applicable (most insurance carriers will require a collision report for uninsured motorist claims)

Timely reporting helps prevent claim delays and ensures coverage for repair or medical expenses.

3. Contact Roadside Assistance if Needed

If your car is undrivable or unsafe, call for towing or roadside support through your insurance, AAA, or other service providers. Never attempt to drive a damaged car if you’re unsure of its condition.

How WMST Prepares Students for Real-Life Emergencies

At WMST (Washington Motorist Safety Training), driver education goes beyond preparing for the test—it’s about building real-world awareness and confidence.

WMST instructors emphasize what to do after unexpected events, from flat tires to minor accidents. Students learn:

• How to handle post-crash emotions like shock or anxiety.
• When and how to make safe roadside decisions.
• Steps to contact emergency services and insurance correctly.
• Proper documentation techniques, such as photographing damage and writing brief notes.

WMST’s training includes simulations and discussions around accident prevention and recovery, helping new drivers think calmly and act wisely when the unexpected occurs.

The goal is simple: to ensure that every driver who graduates from WMST not only passes their test but also understands how to stay safe and responsible long after.

FAQs

What should I do first after a fender bender?
Check for injuries, move to a safe location, and turn on your hazard lights. Then exchange information and take photos before leaving the scene.

Do I need to call 911 for every accident?
Only if someone is injured, a vehicle is blocking traffic, or damages appear serious. For minor collisions, exchange information and file a DOL report if required.

How long do I have to report an accident in WA?
 If police don’t arrive at the scene, you must file a Collision Report with the WA DOL within 4 days if you believe there is more than $1000 in damages or injuries.

Can WMST teach emergency response skills?
Yes! WMST incorporates emergency readiness into its driving curriculum, including how to handle roadside breakdowns, crashes, and insurance reporting.

What if the other driver refuses to share info?
 Stay calm. Note their license plate, vehicle description, and contact the police. Leaving without sharing information is considered a hit-and-run in WA and can result in jail time and fines

Conclusion

Knowing what to do after a car accident WA is essential for every new driver. By staying calm, following safety steps, and reporting correctly, you can handle even stressful situations with confidence.

Programs like WMST’s driver training ensure that every student understands both the practical and emotional sides of driving, preparing them not just for tests, but for real-life responsibility on the road.

Accidents happen, but preparedness turns panic into composure—and that’s the true mark of a confident, capable Washington driver.