Swerve
    Free roadside guide

    After a crash,
    start here.

    Use one next step at a time. Put safety and emergency help first, then document the scene, exchange information, and save what you need for later.

    The immediate sequence

    Right now.

    Follow the list in order. Each card starts with the next action, then keeps the explanation available when you have room to read it.

    1. 02
      Start here

      Take one safe step at a time.

      More detail

      Start with the next safe action and move through the guide one step at a time. Swerve gives general roadside information without requiring an account.

    2. 03
      Safety

      Stop, get safe, and check for injuries.

      More detail

      Get the scene as safe as you can before documenting anything.

      • Stop immediately. Never leave the scene.
      • If safe, move out of traffic.
      • Turn on hazards and use flares if available.
      • Check yourself and others for injuries.
    3. 04
      Facts first

      Stick to facts and follow responder instructions.

      More detail

      Keep your account factual while you speak with the other driver and responders.

      • Do not guess, admit fault, or apologize as if you caused the crash.
      • Describe how you feel honestly, even if symptoms seem minor.
      • Do not sign a document you do not understand. Ask what it does first, and get advice before releases or settlements.
      • Follow responder instructions.
    4. 05
      Document the scene

      Document the scene if it is safe.

      More detail

      If it is safe, photos and video may help document what happened.

      • Wide shots of the scene
      • Close-ups of all damage
      • License plates of all vehicles
      • Skid marks or debris
      • Road signs and traffic lights
      • Look for cameras nearby. If possible, find out who controls them and how to request the footage.
    5. 06
      Exchange information

      Exchange names, phone, insurance, and vehicle details.

      More detail

      Exchange the information you may need for follow-up, and write it down while the details are available.

      • Other driver name
      • Phone number
      • Insurance company
      • Policy number
      • License plate
    6. 07
      Health

      Watch for symptoms and seek care when needed.

      More detail

      Some injuries are not obvious right away. Symptoms of concussion or internal bleeding may appear later.

      Contact a medical professional promptly if you have symptoms or any concern. Seek emergency help for severe or worsening symptoms. A clinician can decide what care you need.

    7. 08
      Insurance

      Notify your insurer and keep a record.

      More detail

      Check your policy and keep a simple record of every insurance conversation.

      • Notify your insurer promptly and check your policy for its specific reporting deadline.
      • Be brief and factual. Share what you know without guessing.
      • Save names, claim numbers, and notes from every call.
    8. 09
      State information

      Check the published information for your state.

      More detail

      State-specific information is shown only after research, review, approval, and deliberate publication. Swerve does not substitute another state’s information when a packet is unavailable.

      Read the Legal Overview
    9. 10
      Keep it close

      Keep this guide and checklist close.

      More detail

      When the immediate steps are complete, keep the resources you are most likely to use again within reach. The guide stays free and available without an account.

      Open the printable checklist See the wallet card
    Published context

    State information.

    Swerve shows state-specific information only when a packet has been researched, reviewed, approved, and published. State rules vary and change.

    Delaware information

    Delaware information is being reviewed

    Swerve will show this state’s guidance after each topic has source evidence and administrator approval. No placeholder legal answer is shown here.

    Not legal advice.

    After the immediate steps

    Keep it close.

    Save the resources that make sense for you. The free Guide remains the starting point for everyone.

    For the gloveboxPrintable checklistKeep a paper version nearby with room for the information you may need to write down.
    For your walletWallet cardSee the physical card that keeps the first moments and the Guide within reach.
    Context and limitsLegal OverviewRead how Swerve handles general information, state differences, and when to seek legal advice.
    For schools and partnersShare Swerve.Keep the public guidance separate from partner distribution and school resources.

    General information

    Educational guidance only. Laws vary by state.

    Swerve provides general education for the first moments after a crash. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change. Verify important decisions with an official source or a licensed attorney.

    Read the full Legal Overview