If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how stressful and confusing the aftermath can be. It’s important to know what to do in the hours and days following an accident, both for your safety and to ensure that you have all the information you need to file a claim. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident.

Check for Injuries and Call 911 if Necessary

The first thing you should do after an accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured or bleeding, call 911 immediately. Even if there don’t seem to be any serious injuries, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Often, injuries from car accidents are not immediately apparent.

Move Your Vehicle out of the Traffic Lane if Possible

Once you’ve ascertained that everyone in your vehicle is okay, the next step is to move your vehicle out of the traffic lane if possible. This will help prevent further accidents and make it easier for emergency vehicles to get through if they are needed.

Don’t Admit Fault

Do not say that you are sorry or admit fault. Even if you think you might be at fault for the accident, do not apologize or say so at the scene of the accident. Wait until you have all of the facts before admitting fault. Doing so could potentially be used against you later if you decide to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. In fact, you might want to talk to a lawyer, like David Helfand PA, so you can have a better outcome. Speaking with a professional will help allay a lot of your worries and anxieties about the situation as well.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver(s) Involved

Be sure to exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident, including names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. This will come in handy when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Take Pictures of the Accident Scene and Any Damage to Your Vehicle

If you have a camera or smartphone with you, take pictures of the accident scene as well as any damage to your vehicle. These pictures will be helpful when filing an insurance claim.

Call Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible.

It’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident so that they can begin processing your claim. Be prepared to give them all of the information you gathered in steps 3 and 4 above.

See a Doctor Even if You Don’t Think You’re Injured

Remember, some injuries from car accidents are not immediately apparent. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and see a doctor right away following an accident, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Doing so will ensure that any injuries are properly taken care of and will also create a paper trail in case you need to file a personal injury lawsuit down the road.

Follow these six steps after experiencing a car accident, and you’ll be on your way toward managing the aftermath as effectively and efficiently as possible. Taking these steps will help keep you safe, collect all of the information you need, and put you on the path toward getting back behind the wheel in no time.