Being involved in a car accident, even a minor fender bender, can be stressful and a bit scary. Due to the frustration of the situation, many people aren’t thinking clearly, which can lead to mistakes. Learning what to do after an accident is the best way to avoid these mistakes.

Don’t Leave the Scene

Getting help after a crash is a top priority. Regardless of how minor an accident may seem, never leave the scene. If a person happens to leave and someone suffered an injury, or there was a fatality, the individual who left may face serious criminal penalties, as well as more serious charges, such as being charged as a hit-and-run driver. A reputable car accident lawyer can help you figure out where to go from there, and they can deal with the police on your behalf.

Check on All Drivers and Passengers Involved

Before trying to assess for property damage, be sure everyone who was involved in the accident is okay. It’s essential to get medical help for anyone who needs it. If there is someone who is unconscious, or who is experiencing pain in the neck or back, don’t move them until medical help arrives at the scene, unless the person is in danger if they aren’t moved.

Contact the Police

After an accident, there are several situations when you need to contact the police. These include a physical injury, property damage, or a fatality. It’s essential to have a police report filled out if the cops come to the scene, which ensures those involved have the badge numbers of the officers who respond.

Exchange Information

It’s important to gather the information from anyone involved in the accident. This includes names, drivers’ license numbers, addresses, phone numbers, basic insurance information, and license plate numbers. If there are any passengers involved, make sure to get their information, as well. When talking to other drivers, make sure to remain cooperative and cordial.

While this is important, don’t ever apologize for anything while at the scene. This can be taken as an admission of fault down the road. It’s best to only talk about the must-have information.

Talk to Any Witnesses

Make sure to find out what any and all witnesses saw. Be sure to get their names, addresses, and phone numbers, if possible. It’s also a good idea to find out if anyone in the area has seen accidents in the same place before.

Call the Insurance Company

Once everything is settled at the scene, it’s important to contact the insurance company. Be sure to cooperate with them and tell them the truth about what happened and the injuries that occurred. Make sure to explain the facts clearly.

If the insurance discovers that anyone lied about the details, then it can cause serious issues and even denial of coverage for the accident in question. Make sure to obtain and look over police reports to find out who broke traffic laws and who was determined to be at fault.

After the Accident: Take the Right Steps

When involved in a car accident, it’s imperative that a person takes the proper steps. Doing so will help ensure they don’t make any mistakes and that they are able to collect compensation from the insurance company. Using the tips and information here is the best way to ensure that no mistakes are made and the compensation process after an accident is as smooth and easy as possible.