6 Steps to Take After You're in A Car Accident

• IMPORTANT: Keep a cool head! You might be shocked or even enraged at the guy who ran that stop sign. However, staying calm will help you thoroughly and accurately document the situation.

Here are 6 steps to take so if you get into a car accident you can feel prepared:

1. Check for injuries

   1. If you are seriously injured, call 911 or find someone to do so. Stay where you are and try not to move so you do not make your injuries worse.

   2. If you are not too hurt to move, check on the other passengers and determine if calling 911 is necessary.

2. Move to safety

   1. First and foremost, get yourself and the other passengers out of the road and away from danger.

   2. If your car is still able to drive, consider moving it off the street, or to the shoulder, away from traffic.

3. Call the police

   1. Whether it is a fender-bender or a major car accident, it is always a good idea to call the police -- some states it is required!

   2. The police will file an accident report which will document all of the details of the situation including the individuals involved.

4. Exchange information and document EVERYTHING

   1. Thoroughly documenting the situation will help you when you file a claim with your insurance company.

      1. Information to gather about the other driver

         1. Name

         2. Phone number

         3. Car license plate number

         4. Driver’s license number

         5. The name of their insurance and their policy number.

         6. Type, color, and model of their vehicle

      2. Information to gather about the situation

         1. Police officers name and telephone number

         2. Police report number

         3. Any witnesses contact information

         4. Take photos of the accident (try to get as many different angles as you can)

         5. Take note of any security cameras in the area

         6. Location of the accident

      3. IMPORTANT: Never blame the other driver or admit that you caused the accident. Many factors go into why an accident occurred so it may be too soon to tell who is at fault. Also, it may be hard, but do not apologize or try to minimize your injuries.

5. Contact you insurance company

   1. It is important to answer all of the questions your insurance company asks you honestly. If you try to mislead the insurer it could weaken your claim.

6. Protect your rights

   1. Perhaps the most important thing to do is to consult a personal injury attorney. PI attorneys will make sure valuable evidence is not destroyed, accurate statements are given to your insurance, you receive full compensation for your vehicle, and you receive the best medical treatment.

   2. The best part is PI attorneys work on a contingency fee which means they only get paid based off how much compensation YOU receive.