A car accident can be terrifying. They can happen suddenly when you least expect them to. The sudden jolt of the collision can leave you feeling shell shocked, and the direct aftermath can be scary indeed. However, despite the horror of a car accident, you need to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s very important to think rationally and remember exactly what you should do directly after an accident. It’s extremely important, and can make a huge difference.

Obtain Medical Attention

Your number one priority after a car accident should be your health and the health of your family. If you think there may be injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately. Sometimes serious injuries may not be immediately apparent because they are internal in nature. Don’t take any chances.

Report the Car Accident to the Police

The second thing you should do is to call the police to report the car accident. Creating an official report is very important for insurance purposes as well as other legal reasons. You need that record of the accident and the scene of the accident from a trustworthy independent third party. An objective police report will do just that.

See a Doctor

If you don’t call for an ambulance but still have some minor injuries, you should go to a car accident doctor immediately. Much like how the police officer will make a report, you also need a medical report of your injuries. This paper trail will be very important for both insurance coverage and any resulting lawsuits.

Take Photos of the Scene

You don’t have to only rely on the police to make a record of the scene of the accident. You should also be creating your own evidence of what exactly occurred. Thankfully, now everyone has a camera at their fingertips thanks to smart phones. Make a video of the scene of the accident take a bunch of photos as well.

Call Your Car Insurance Provider

You need to contact your insurance company to report the accident as quickly as possible. This will make filing a claim much easier. You should also obtain the insurance information, in addition to the personal information, of the other driver before you leave the scene.

Car accidents can be traumatizing and terrifying. However, you need to try to keep a level head afterwards. What you do directly after the accident can determine the future livelihood of you and your family both in terms of physical health as well as financial well-being.