What To Do After A Car Accident

This guide will provide some basic information on what you should do after a car accident. This is not an extensive list; rather, a brief overview of the steps you should take to ensure you are protected following an accident.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Okay

   The single most important thing to do after a car accident is to ensure that all people involved are not in need of immediate emergency assistance. If anyone is in serious pain, you need to call for am ambulance immediately. Emergency medical personnel can be at the scene of an accident within minutes and they will be able to assist whoever needs it.

2. Notify The Police And Make A Report

   Too often, people forego filing a police report because they think it is unnecessary. This is wrong. Filing a police report will ensure that you have all information necessary if you ever needed to file a claim, either through your insurance or the other driver's. The police will require the other driver to provide their insurance information and identification so you can obtain it at a later time as needed.

3. Take Pictures Of The Cars Involved

   Almost everyone has a smart phone these days. Thankfully, smart phones usually have cameras built in. Use these cameras to take pictures of the cars involved, any debris on the ground, and the position of the cars where they come to a stop. Many times, at fault drivers will claim the accident occurred in a way that is not accurate; these pictures that you take at the scene of the accident will allow you to show how the accident really happened and will prove invaluable at the time of trial (if necessary).

4. Get Witness Names And Addresses

   Was anyone else in the car with you, or able to see what happened? If so, approach them and ask for their names, addresses, and phone numbers. If they are willing, ask them to write down or send you a text message stating what they say, where they were when they saw it, and save this information. These witness statements will assist in proving your case and ensuring the other driver, and their insurance company, are responsible for the damage to your car and for your injuries.

5. If Injured, Go To The Hospital

   If you are hurt, you need to go to the hospital. You may not realize the severity of your injuries right away. Adrenaline is usually "pumping" right after an accident and it could take hours, or even days, for you to realize that you are hurt as bad as you are. For that reason, if you are in any pain, you need to go to the hospital to get checked out. If you are unable to go to the hospital, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

6. Call a Personal Injury Attorney

   After you have done each of the above steps, call a personal injury attorney right away. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to guide you through the entire claims process and ensure you receive the best care possible to recover for your injuries. You may be entitled to lost wages, value for your car, and pain and suffering as a result of being injured.
   
   A person who has an experienced personal injury attorney representing them with a claim will recover significantly more money than someone who tries to handle the claim on his or herself. For this reason, you must contact a personal injury attorney right away.