The first few hours following a car accident are crucial for your health, safety, and legal well-being. It's important to know the proper steps to take to ensure you are protected during and after such a terrifying experience. The personal injury attorneys of Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. have been serving clients throughout the Hamilton, OH, area for more than a century. Below, they discuss four things to do in the immediate wake of a car accident to protect your interests.

Four Things To Do After A Car Accident

1. Stay & Protect The Scene

Never flee the scene of an accident, even if it's a minor fender-bender and no visible damage is noted. Call the police and, if necessary, protect the accident scene. You may need to set up road flares, keep your hazard lights on, or have a flashlight handy to ensure everything stays where it is until help arrives.

2. Make & Keep Accurate Records

The police will ask you to make a statement about what happened. Give them an honest account, but don't guess or hypothesize about anything you're unsure of. You should also create your own record of the accident by taking photos of the scene. Cell phones are particularly handy for this, and photos could help you in any legal situations that may result.

3. Exchange Insurance Information & Contact Your Insurer

Swap insurance information with other drivers involved in the accident. Try to stay calm when dealing with other parties and never take responsibility or assume blame for the situation. Then, contact your insurer yourself to report the accident. At this point, you may be worried about litigation from others involved in the crash, or you may want to ensure your own rights are legally protected; if so, call the personal injury attorneys at Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. to explore your options.

4. Get Medical Attention

Many injuries don't present themselves right away; some take hours, even days, to show up. It's vital you get medical attention in the wake of an accident, even if you feel you don't need it. Your health should always be a priority.

By following the above steps after a car accident, you are protecting yourself and all others involved. If you've been in an accident, call Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. at (513) 867-1411 to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney. You can also visit the firm on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on news and receive helpful advice.