If you find yourself dealing with an auto accident, try to avoid over or underacting until you know the extent of your circumstances. Even if you believe your vehicle is ok and you feel fine, your actions after a car accident can affect your personal injury claim.
Now is not the time to let your emotions and thoughts to overwhelm your capacity to remain calm and rational. As overwhelming and frightening as things may seem immediately after an auto collision, a calm mind and the following actions can make it easier and less confusing to manage the aftermath and protect your right to compensation.
Safety first
Check yourself and passengers for potential injuries. Some injuries may exhibit little to no symptoms that do not accurately reflect the severity, i.e., internal bleeding, concussions and mild TBIs. Before you leave the scene of the accident, make sure you and your passengers receive appropriate medical attention to rule out trauma and expedite treatment.
Notify the authorities
If you have injuries, it is important more than ever for you to contact the authorities to make an official statement about the accident. Also, having law enforcement and emergency responders on the scene can help provide credibility to your personal injury and insurance claims.
Exchange information
If the scene is safe and you are able, exchange contact and insurance information with all parties from the accident. If there are witnesses, you may want to get their contact information as well. Their input may be necessary as evidence to help substantiate your accident claim.