After a Car Accident, Whose Contact Information Should You Get?

by Caleb Fleschner

Last Updated July 6, 2026 In Newsletter

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Between checking for injuries, speaking with police, and dealing with vehicle damage, it’s easy to forget important details in the moments after a crash.

One of the most important steps you can take is gathering the right contact information before leaving the scene. Having accurate information can help protect your rights, simplify the insurance claims process, and strengthen your personal injury claim if you were injured because of someone else’s negligence.

Start with the Other Driver

The first priority is exchanging information with every driver involved in the accident.

Be sure to obtain:

Full name
Address
Phone number
Driver’s license number
Insurance company and policy number
Vehicle make, model, and license plate number

If there is more than one vehicle involved, collect this information from each driver.

Avoid discussing who was at fault or apologizing for the accident. Instead, stick to exchanging information and cooperating with law enforcement.

“The moments after a crash can be stressful, but gathering accurate information is one of the most important things you can do to protect your claim,” says attorney Caleb Fleschner. “Even if the accident seems minor, having the right details can make a significant difference when dealing with insurance companies later.”

Get the Responding Officer’s Information

Indiana law generally requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. When law enforcement responds to the scene, the investigating officer will prepare an official crash report.

Before leaving, ask for:

The officer’s name
The law enforcement agency
Badge number (if available)
The accident report number
Instructions on how to obtain a copy of the completed report

The police report often becomes an important piece of evidence during the insurance claim process.

Speak with Witnesses

Independent witnesses can provide valuable information if there is a dispute about how the accident occurred.

If anyone saw the crash, ask for:

Name
Phone number
Email address

Witness statements can help clarify what happened and may support your version of events if liability is contested.

If nearby businesses have security cameras that may have captured the collision, make note of their location. Your attorney may be able to obtain that footage before it is deleted.

Document the Scene

While not technically contact information, gathering evidence at the scene can be just as important.

If it is safe to do so, take photographs of:

All vehicles involved
Vehicle damage
Skid marks
Traffic signals and signs
Road conditions
Weather conditions
Any visible injuries

These photos can help preserve important evidence before the scene changes.

If Emergency Medical Personnel Respond

If paramedics or EMS personnel evaluate or treat you at the scene, their medical observations may become important later.

Although you don’t necessarily need to collect their contact information, it’s helpful to note which ambulance service or EMS agency responded. Your attorney can obtain those records if they become relevant to your case.

Most importantly, accept medical treatment if it’s recommended. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical care helps protect both your health and your claim.

Don’t Worry If You Couldn’t Collect Everything

In serious accidents, gathering information may not be possible. If you’re injured or transported to the hospital, your health should always come first.

An experienced personal injury attorney can often obtain:

Police reports
Witness information
Surveillance or dashcam footage
Medical records
Insurance information
Additional evidence needed to investigate your case