Being in a car accident can be traumatizing enough to deter you from making rational decisions immediately after the event. However, to get the most out of your car accident claim, you need to understand what you are required to do right after an accident.

If the other driver is responsible for the accident, then you have more reason to be resourceful. Tom, a Savannah car accident lawyer, notes on his website, “If the other party was responsible for causing your accident because of their negligence. You have every right to seek damages from them.”

It might be hard to figure out what to do next after you have been in a car accident, but with the steps below, you can get an idea of how to act when you encounter such an incident.

What Are the 5 Important Things You Need to Do After An Accident?

1. Seek Medical Assistance

You first need to check whether you have sustained any major injuries, then check on other passengers in the car. It’s always advisable to seek medical treatment, even with minor injuries or no visible external wounds. You might be fine at first, but you might start to feel the effects of the injuries much later.

Call for an ambulance and wait for the medical team to help you to the hospital. Having your injuries documented immediately makes their timing irrefutable when you’re pursuing civil remedies.

2. Call Officers to the Scene

Be it a major or minor accident; it’s always a good idea to call the police to file a report on the accident. If the accident is not too serious, you’ll be advised to file a report at a police station of your locality, but the police will come to the scene if it’s a major accident.

Make sure to ask for a copy of the report if you need it as evidence in court. Having officers at the scene also helps with determining which driver is at fault.

3. Collect Relevant Documents

It’s important to gather as much evidence as you can from the scene. Start by taking pictures; record and capture the position of both the vehicles and the damages sustained. You can also take pictures of any traffic signs or signals at the scene.

Also, remember to take pictures of the surrounding area if anything contributed to the accident.

4. Collect Other Driver’s Information

Always collect and share information with the other driver, no matter how minor the collision. Be sure to get their email, phone number, address, full name, and the name and details of their insurer.

You also need to take their license plate number and any other information involving their vehicle. Such information may include year of vehicle manufacturing and model.

5. Get In Touch with Your Insurance Provider

Reach out to your insurance provider while still at the accident scene. This way, they can begin your claim process as soon as possible; depending on your policy, they can help you with things like calling for a tow truck and setting up a rental car.

Being Prepared Is Significant

When you’re involved in a car accident that is not your fault, you need to start collecting relevant information that can work in your best interest when you file a car accident claim. Most times, your personal injury lawyer will help determine who is responsible for the damages sustained from the incident.