Take care of people first and make sure everyone is well. Be sure to move your body slowly to assess any injuries. You should start with the head and neck, since injuries in these areas are the most serious. When you make small movements, if you find that you can move your head, neck and back, move on to other parts of your body.
Visually inspect your legs and arms. Check for blood and a feeling of warmth or pain. Look in the rearview mirror or any other mirror where you need to check for cuts, scrapes, bruises or blood on your face or other parts of your body. Exchange information with the other driver, get accounts of the accident from bystanders and witnesses, take pictures of the scene, and get a copy of the police report from officers who arrive to help you.
Some states are “no-fault states,” meaning that in the event of an accident, your insurance will cover you up to the specified limit for personal injury, car damage, and related claims. No one expects to be involved in a car accident or have to deal with the resulting repercussions, but being prepared is an invaluable precaution. Do this only if absolutely necessary, because, if you can, you'll want to take pictures of the accident scene as it occurred. Even if the situation wasn't your fault, even if you have good insurance and even if you're going to be late for an important appointment, you'll want to make sure that you handle any car accident situation with care and attention.
If all the occupants of your car are safe, check the drivers and passengers of the other cars involved in the accident using the same precautions. Car accidents are scary and it's easy to panic, but being prepared can help you and those involved stay calm. For this reason, if you are in a car accident, the first thing you should do is assess your physical condition. Serious accidents are a reason for an ambulance to arrive at the scene, but in minor cases, you can decide if your discomfort requires a visit to the doctor or chiropractor.
These eight important steps on what to do after a car accident are crucial to ensuring your safety, knowing what information you need to collect from the scene, and making sure you're prepared for the next steps after the accident. Car accidents are extremely annoying for everyone involved, and it's easy for those involved to feel nervous, anxious, and disoriented. If you have serious injuries from a car accident, it's important to contact an experienced attorney for useful information on how to maximize your recovery time. In particular, be sure to take the following steps immediately after being involved in a car accident.
If you are involved in a car accident, the most important concern you should have right away is your safety. Taking pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and bodily injury can be useful information for insurance claims and police reports. The officer may first speak to any witness to try to establish who may be at fault and what caused the accident.
