Accident Response Kit
Affirming Dads — U.S. Legal Information & Resource Center
72-Hour Crash Playbook (U.S. Edition, 2026)
Important: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual settlement amounts may vary significantly based on the specific facts of your case, court jurisdiction, and other factors. Always consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Disclaimer: Informational only not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship.
Table of Contents
1. Scene Checklist
10-Minute Response
2. Photo Blueprint
10 Critical Shots
3. 72-Hour Timeline
Step-by-Step Actions
4. Claim Scripts
What to Say
5. Evidence Matrix
Documentation Guide
6. Valuation Primer
Understanding Worth
What to Do at the Scene (10-Minute Checklist)
Safety first:
Move to a safe spot, turn on hazards, place triangles if available.
Call 911
Request police and EMS. Ask for the incident number.
Do not admit fault:
Stick to facts. Avoid speculation or apologies.
Exchange info:
Names, phones, license numbers, plates, VINs, insurer + policy #.
Document:
Photos of vehicles, injuries, road, skid marks, debris, surroundings, weather, traffic signs.
Witnesses:
Capture names, phones, short recorded statements (permission first).
Dashcam:
Save footage. Back up to cloud if possible.
Medical:
Accept EMS evaluation. Delayed pain is common.
Photo Blueprint (10 Shots That Matter)
1. Full Scene
Wide angle view
2. Each Vehicle
All 4 corners
3. Damage Close-ups
Detailed shots
4. License & VIN
Plates and stickers
5. Airbag Deploy
Safety systems
6. Skids & Debris
Impact evidence
7. Road Signs
Traffic controls
8. Weather
Conditions
9. Speed Limits
Posted signs
10. Injuries
Visible harm
Photo Blueprint (10 Shots That Matter)
1. Full Scene
Wide angle view
2. Each Vehicle
All 4 corners
3. Damage Close-ups
Detailed shots
4. License & VIN
Plates and stickers
5. Airbag Deploy
Safety systems
6. Skids & Debris
Impact evidence
7. Road Signs
Traffic controls
8. Weather
Conditions
9. Speed Limits
Posted signs
10. Injuries
Visible harm
72-Hour Timeline
- Medical evaluation; don't self-diagnose
- Start pain & limitations diary
- Notify your insurer
- Order police report
- Create claim folder
- Back up photos to cloud
- Get repair estimates
- Medical follow-up
- Use Evidence Matrix
72-Hour Timeline
- Medical evaluation; don't self-diagnose
- Start pain & limitations diary
- Notify your insurer
- Order police report
- Create claim folder
- Back up photos to cloud
- Get repair estimates
- Medical follow-up
- Use Evidence Matrix
Claim Call Scripts (Keep It Short)
Other Driver's Insurer
“Hello, I was involved in a crash on [date/time] at [location]. Police incident number is [#]. I'll provide basic facts and photos. I'm still evaluating injuries and treatment. Please send my claim number and next steps by email.”
Your Insurer (First Notice of Loss)
“I can confirm basic details. I am not giving a recorded statement today. Please send your claim number and inspection process by email.”
Claim Call Scripts (Keep It Short)
Your Insurer (First Notice of Loss)
Other Driver's Insurer
“Hello, I was involved in a crash on [date/time] at [location]. Police incident number is [#]. I'll provide basic facts and photos. I'm still evaluating injuries and treatment. Please send my claim number and next steps by email.”
“I can confirm basic details. I am not giving a recorded statement today. Please send your claim number and inspection process by email.”
Claim Evidence Matrix (Fast Organizer)
| Item | Where to Get It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Police report | Police portal/records | Liability snapshot + officer notes |
| Medical records + bills | Provider portals | Injury proof + economic damages |
| Imaging (X-ray/MRI) | Radiology portal | Objective documentation |
| Wage proof | Employer/pay stubs | Lost income verification |
| Repair + photos | Body shop + your phone | Property damage valuation |
| Dashcam/CCTV | Your device / nearby businesses | Corroborates impact + fault |
| Witness info | Your notes | Confirms sequence + signals |
| Pain diary | Daily notes/app | Tracks recovery + limitations |
Quick Valuation Primer (Educational Only)
Key Factors:
Economic losses
Medical bills + lost wages + property loss + future care
2. Each Vehicle
Pain, suffering, daily-life limitations (often a multiplier)
3. Damage Close-ups
Your payout may drop by your % of fault
4. License & VIN
Organized, verified records improve offers
Try our free tools: Pain & Suffering Calculator, Settlement Estimator, Claim Timeline Estimator (no email required).
Quick Valuation Primer (Educational Only)
Key Factors:
Economic losses
Medical bills + lost wages + property loss + future care
2. Each Vehicle
Pain, suffering, daily-life limitations (often a multiplier)
3. Damage Close-ups
Your payout may drop by your % of fault
4. License & VIN
Organized, verified records improve offers
Try our free tools: Pain & Suffering Calculator, Settlement Estimator, Claim Timeline Estimator (no email required).
Red Flags That Reduce Offers
Long gaps before treatment
Social posts showing activity
Signing broad medical releases
Unprepared recorded statements
Skipping follow-up care or PT
Posting crash opinions online
Medical & Costs Tracker
| Date | Provider/Facility | Purpose | Amount | Paid by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Remember to keep: Rx receipts, mileage to appointments, medical equipment costs.
Medical & Costs Tracker
Get at least two estimates; keep parts lists
Photograph pre-existing damage areas separately
If total loss is declared, ask for valuation report and comparable vehicles list
Save all rental invoices and availability proof
Insurance Tactics to Expect
When to Consult a Lawyer (Signals)
FAQ
Do I have to talk to the other insurer?
No. You can share basics without a recorded statement.
What if injuries appear later?
Document new symptoms; follow up medically; update your claim file.
Will a settlement be taxed?
Some portions may be taxable depending on type; consult a tax professional.
Wallet Card (Cut & Keep)
- Safety + 911
- Facts only
- Photos + witnesses
- Police #
- Medical now
- Call your insurer
Final Notes
- Keep all communications in writing
- Back up everything to a secure drive or cloud
- Update your diary daily for 30 days
- Use the free calculators for planning only; they don't predict outcomes
Bonus: "First Offer Audit" (1-Minute Checklist)
Audit Your First Offer
If 3+ no's: It's likely a low anchor. Respond with missing documents and request a revised, itemized offer.
