Car accidents can put you under a lot of pressure and make it difficult to remember what to do at the scene. If you get into an accident, keep a level head and follow these steps so you can file claims with a car insurance company, the police, or a personal injury lawyer.

What to Do After a Car Crash

1. Look for Injuries

Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Think about whether your head jerked forward and ask another passenger to inspect the parts of your body you can’t see, like your neck and back.

Even if an injury seems minor at the scene, make sure to document it, as it may get worse later. If this is the case, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.

2. Call the Police

Even if an accident is minor, call the police and have them come to the scene. Filing a police report makes sure an objective third party documents all of the facts. This will help with an insurance claim. The officer can act as a mediator between you and the other driver and help determine if you have any injuries.

3. Don’t Admit Fault

When you talk to the other driver, don’t take responsibility for the accident. Your insurance company might require that you don’t admit fault or accuse the other driver. This can be used against you during an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Stay professional and cordial, if possible. If they are angry or upset, wait to talk until the police have arrived.

4. Gather Information

Before you both leave the accident scene, get some information from the other driver. This allows your insurance company to identify them and work with their insurance if necessary. Ask for their name and provider, as well as their policy number.

You should also document the scene with pictures, as this can be helpful when making a claim. Get the police officer’s name and phone number, as well as the number of the police report so you can reference it later.

Looking to file a personal injury claim after a car accident? Choose the lawyers at Goicoechea, DiGrazia, Coyle, & Stanton in Elko, NV. They’ve been providing effective and affordable legal services to residents in northeast Nevada since 1976. They give personalized attention to each client and take the time to understand your legal needs. Visit their website or call (775) 738-8091 to schedule a consultation today.