Roadside Assistance Phone Numbers and What to Do at the Accident Scene

You're standing on the side of the road. Your car is damaged. Maybe another car is too. You're shaken up, possibly hurt, and you need to figure out what to do right now. This page gives you the phone numbers you need and the steps to follow — in order.

Step 1: Are You or Anyone Else Injured?

If yes — call 911 first. Everything else can wait.

If injuries are serious (head trauma, heavy bleeding, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing), do not move the injured person unless there's immediate danger like fire or oncoming traffic.

If injuries are minor or you're not sure — still call 911. Let the dispatcher decide whether to send paramedics. Many injuries from car accidents don't become apparent for hours.

Step 2: Move to Safety

If your vehicle is drivable, pull it to the shoulder, a parking lot, or anywhere out of active traffic lanes. Turn on your hazard lights.

If the vehicle can't be moved, get yourself and all passengers away from the roadway. Stand behind a guardrail or on the sidewalk — never between your car and oncoming traffic. Secondary crashes at accident scenes cause roughly 18,000 injuries per year in the US.

Step 3: Call the Police

Even for minor fender-benders, get a police report. The officer will document the scene, interview witnesses, and create an official report that becomes critical evidence for your insurance claim. Write down the police report number before the officer leaves.

In some jurisdictions, police won't respond to accidents with no injuries and minor damage. If that happens, go to the nearest police station to file a report yourself, or file one online through your local department's website.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Get the following from every driver involved:

• Full name and phone number
• Driver's license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, color, and year

If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers too. Ask if they'd be willing to provide a written statement.

Step 5: Document the Scene

Take photos and video of everything. See our complete photo documentation guide for the 15 specific photos you need.

Step 6: Call for Roadside Assistance or Towing

If your vehicle isn't drivable, you'll need a tow. Here are the numbers:

Roadside Assistance by Insurance Provider

Most auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. Call your insurer's roadside line — not their claims line — for towing, flat tire, lockout, or jump start service.

| Provider | Roadside Assistance Number | |---|---| | AAA (members) | 1-800-222-4357 | | State Farm | 1-877-627-5757 | | GEICO | 1-800-424-3426 | | Progressive | 1-800-776-4737 | | Allstate | 1-800-726-6033 | | USAA | 1-800-531-8722 | | Liberty Mutual | 1-800-225-2467 | | Farmers | 1-800-435-7764 | | Nationwide | 1-800-421-3535 | | Travelers | 1-800-252-4633 | | American Family | 1-800-692-6326 | | Erie Insurance | 1-800-367-3743 |

Vehicle Manufacturer Roadside Assistance

Many vehicles come with manufacturer roadside assistance, especially newer models and those still under warranty.

| Manufacturer | Roadside Number | Coverage | |---|---|---| | OnStar (GM vehicles) | 1-888-466-7827 | Built-in, press blue button | | Ford Roadside | 1-800-241-3673 | New vehicle warranty period | | Toyota Care | 1-800-444-4195 | 2 years / 25,000 miles | | Honda Roadside | 1-800-999-1009 | New vehicle warranty period | | Hyundai Roadside | 1-800-243-7766 | 5 years / 60,000 miles | | Kia Roadside | 1-800-333-4542 | 5 years / 60,000 miles | | BMW Roadside | 1-800-332-4269 | 4 years / 50,000 miles | | Tesla Roadside | 1-877-798-3752 | Via app or phone | | Subaru Roadside | 1-800-261-2155 | 3 years / 36,000 miles |

Phone Carrier Roadside

| Provider | Roadside Number | Monthly Cost | |---|---|---| | T-Mobile | 1-877-750-2882 | Add-on feature | | Verizon | 1-800-711-8300 | Add-on feature |

Important Towing Tips

• Choose your own tow company if possible. Police often have contracts with specific towing companies that charge premium rates and use storage yards far from your home. You have the right to request your own tow in most states.
• Ask about storage fees before they tow. Impound lots charge $25–$75+ per day. Pick up your belongings from the vehicle as soon as possible.
• Know where your car is going. Get the name and address of the tow yard before they leave. Ask for the tow driver's name and company phone number.
• Remove valuables from the vehicle before it's towed. Tow yards are not responsible for items left in vehicles.

Step 7: Call Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your own insurance company. See our complete guide with every insurance company's claims phone number and what to say on the call.

Step 8: Do NOT Admit Fault

At the scene, be polite and cooperative, but do not say:

• "I'm sorry" (can be interpreted as admitting fault)
• "I didn't see you" (implies you weren't paying attention)
• "It was my fault" (this is a legal determination, not yours to make)

Stick to facts when talking to the police officer: "I was heading north on Main Street. The collision occurred at the intersection with 5th Avenue." Let the investigation determine fault.

Step 9: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine at the scene, see a doctor within 24–48 hours. Adrenaline masks pain, and many accident injuries — whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage — don't show symptoms until days later. See our guide on whether to go to the ER or urgent care.

Step 10: Get a Free Case Evaluation

Once you're safe and have received medical attention, get a free case evaluation. Our AI reviews your case in 2 minutes and matches you with an experienced injury lawyer. No fees unless you win.