What to Do After a Car Accident in Delaware: A Step-by-Step Guide

The shock of a car accident can scramble your thinking. One moment you're driving through Harrington or Dover, and the next you're sitting in a damaged vehicle with your heart pounding. In that moment, the decisions you make matter — for your safety, for your insurance claim, and for getting your car off the road without making things worse.

As Delaware's trusted towing provider, we've helped thousands of drivers after accidents across Kent and Sussex counties. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and what mistakes people make under stress. This guide walks you through every step — so if the worst happens, you'll know exactly what to do.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Stay Safe

Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt — even if it seems minor — call 911 immediately. Neck and back injuries often don't show symptoms right away, but they can worsen quickly.

If the accident is minor and no one is injured:

• Turn on your hazard lights — make yourself visible, especially at night or in bad weather
• Move to a safe spot if possible — pull onto the shoulder, into a parking lot, or onto a side street off main roads like Route 13
• Stay in your vehicle if stepping out is dangerous — busy highways and poor weather make it unsafe to exit
• Set out warning triangles or flares if you have them, especially on rural roads around Greenwood or Felton

Key takeaway: Your safety comes first. A damaged car can be replaced — you can't. Don't stand in traffic trying to take photos or exchange information.

Step 2: Call the Police — It's Required in Delaware

Delaware law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage to the police immediately. Even in a minor fender-bender, calling law enforcement is almost always the right move.

Here's why the police report matters:

• Official documentation — the report creates an unbiased record of what happened, who was involved, and the conditions at the scene
• Insurance requirements — most insurance companies require a police report to open a claim
• Dispute protection — if the other driver changes their story later, the police report is your evidence
• Delaware DMV reporting — accidents involving injury or $500+ in property damage must be reported to the DMV within 5 days

When the officer arrives, stick to the facts. Don't speculate about fault or say things like "I'm sorry" or "it was my fault" — even if you think it might be. Let the police and insurance companies sort out liability.

Step 3: Exchange Information — What to Collect

Delaware law requires all drivers involved in an accident to exchange specific information. Get these details from every driver involved:

Pro tip: Use your phone to take a clear photo of the other driver's license and insurance card. It's faster than writing everything down — and more accurate.

Step 4: Document the Scene

Your phone is your best tool for protecting yourself after an accident. Take photos of:

• All vehicle damage — multiple angles of every damaged panel on all cars involved
• The full scene — wide shots showing the position of vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks
• The other driver's plate — even if you already wrote it down
• Road conditions — weather, lighting, construction zones, anything that may have contributed
• Your injuries — if you have visible cuts, bruises, or other injuries, photograph them promptly

These photos become evidence if there's a dispute about fault or the extent of damage. Don't rely on memory — details fade fast after an accident.

Step 5: Know When to Call a Tow Truck

Not every accident requires a tow, but here's when you definitely need one:

• Airbags deployed — once airbags go off, the vehicle isn't safe to drive even if the engine starts
• Leaking fluids — coolant, oil, transmission fluid, or fuel on the ground means something is seriously broken
• Steering or suspension damage — if the wheel pulls, wobbles, or the car sits unevenly, driving it could cause more damage
• Visible frame damage — bent metal under the car, doors that won't close, or a crumpled trunk usually means the frame is compromised
• Police direct you to move it — if an officer says the vehicle needs to be removed from the roadway, don't argue

Even if your car starts and seems drivable, hidden damage can make it dangerous. Radiator damage can cause your engine to overheat within minutes. Suspension damage can cause you to lose control at highway speeds. When in doubt, tow it.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain — we've seen drivers walk away from serious wrecks only to wake up the next morning unable to turn their neck.

Common delayed-injury symptoms include:

• Neck pain or stiffness (whiplash)
• Headaches or dizziness (concussion)
• Back pain (soft tissue or spinal injury)
• Numbness or tingling in arms/legs
• Abdominal pain or swelling

In Delaware, prompt medical evaluation also creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries — which matters for any insurance or legal claim. Don't wait. If you're unsure, go to Bayhealth Hospital in Dover or your nearest urgent care.

Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as practical — ideally within 24 hours. Most policies require prompt notification. When you call:

• Stick to the facts — tell them what happened, but don't speculate about fault
• Reference the police report — give them the report number if you have it
• Ask about towing coverage — many Delaware policies include roadside assistance or towing reimbursement as an optional add-on
• Ask about a rental car — if your policy covers it, get that process started immediately

If you don't have towing coverage on your policy, don't stress. Prime Towing offers fair, upfront pricing — no hidden fees, no games. We'll give you a clear estimate before the hook hits the road.

Common Mistakes Delaware Drivers Make After an Accident

Delaware-Specific Considerations

Accidents in Delaware come with a few unique factors to keep in mind:

• Route 1 and Route 13 are high-speed corridors — accidents on these highways are more likely to involve serious damage and injuries. Pull well off the roadway if possible.
• Rural roads in Kent and Sussex counties — cell service can be spotty around Greenwood, Felton, and western Kent County. Know your location before you call for help.
• Tourist and beach traffic — during summer months, out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with Delaware roads increase accident risk, especially near Rehoboth and the Route 1 corridor
• Delaware is a PIP state — Personal Injury Protection coverage is part of every Delaware auto policy, covering medical expenses regardless of fault
• DMV reporting deadline — you have 5 days to file a Delaware Motorist Crash Report (Form 607) if the police did not respond and damage exceeds $500

Prime Towing: Ready When You Need Us

Based in Harrington, DE, Prime Towing has helped drivers across Kent and Sussex counties recover after accidents. When you call us after a collision, here's what you get:

• Fast local response — our fleet is positioned across central Delaware for shorter wait times
• 24/7 availability — accidents don't keep business hours, and neither do we
• Flatbed and wheel-lift towing — we match the equipment to your vehicle to prevent further damage
• Clear, upfront pricing — no surprise fees, no games. Just honest service
• Direct repair shop drop-off — we'll take your vehicle to your mechanic, dealership, or body shop of choice

When you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident in Harrington, Dover, Milford, Seaford, or anywhere nearby, call (302) 357-3622 — we'll get you and your vehicle to safety.

FAQ: Car Accidents in Delaware

Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage to the police immediately. Even in minor fender-benders, calling the police creates an official record that can protect you later.

When should I call a tow truck after an accident?

Call a tow truck when your vehicle is not safe to drive — leaking fluids, deployed airbags, steering damage, or if police direct you to move it. Even if the car starts, hidden frame or suspension damage can make it dangerous.

Does my Delaware insurance cover towing after an accident?

Most Delaware auto policies include towing coverage as an optional add-on, not as standard. Check your policy for roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage. If you don't have it, Prime Towing offers fair out-of-pocket rates with no hidden fees.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Delaware requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If the other driver is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage (required on all Delaware policies) may cover your damages. Always get the police report — you'll need it for a UM claim.

How long do I have to report an accident to the Delaware DMV?

If the police did not respond to the scene, you must file a Delaware Motorist Crash Report (Form 607) with the DMV within 5 days of the accident if there was injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500.

Save This Number — You'll Be Glad You Did

The best time to prepare for an accident is before one happens. Save (302) 357-3622 in your phone right now. When the unexpected happens on a Delaware road, you'll already know who to call for fast, fair towing and roadside help.