Just been in an accident? Remain calm and follow these steps

If you are involved in a car accident, there are some immediate steps that you can take in the moments after the wreck that will help you down the line. The first, and most obvious, is to stay at the scene. There are people that freak out after a crash and they flee the scene of the accident. This is a criminal act, and it will greatly complicate your legal situation after a crash.

Staying at the scene and remaining calm after a crash is crucial. By staying calm, you won’t escalate any tensions or make an already stressful moment even more stressful.

Once you’ve composed yourself, go talk to the other people involved in the crash. If they are in need of medical assistance, do what you can to help them. If professional medical assistance is needed, call 911. If they are okay, then you can exchange information with them and discuss the next steps.

You should also perform your own investigation, so much as you can. Talk to any witnesses of the crash and ask them if they are willing to put their account of the wreck on the record. You can also take photos of the accident scene, giving you evidence to provide to the police or to support any insurance claims you make.

Dealing with your insurer in the aftermath of the crash may not be pleasant, but it is necessary. If you run into issues with your insurer, get in touch with an attorney.

Source: FindLaw, “After a Car Accident: First Steps,” Accessed Aug. 2, 2017