When car accidents happen, you should prioritize safety and check everyone involved in the crash for injuries. If you can’t move, wait for professional help to arrive, as shifting may cause further harm to your body. However, if you can safely do so, exit the vehicle, move away from traffic, and follow a few steps to report and document the collision properly.

5 Steps to Take After an Auto Collision

1. Call for Help

After responding to your immediate needs, call emergency services to report the accident. If there are injuries, tell the dispatcher that an ambulance is necessary. When the police arrive, they will document the incident. Insurance companies will use this report to verify claims and help establish fault.

2. Exchange Information

While you’re waiting for help to arrive, exchange basic information with the other drivers involved. Write down names, license plate numbers, insurance information, and phone numbers. Your auto insurance provider will request this information when you file a claim.

3. Document Damage

You may forget many details of the crash, so record as much as you can about the accident. Specifically, take photos of the scene and all areas of vehicle damage. Document any visible injuries as well, if possible. These visuals are useful in proving your insurance claim and serve as evidence in any court cases that follow.

4. See a Doctor

After the accident, go to a doctor for a full evaluation to identify any issues from the car accident. Even if you feel fine, you may have hidden injuries—such as whiplash. Schedule this appointment as soon as possible, as waiting too long may make it more challenging to prove that the injuries were directly related to the collision.

5. File a Claim

Call your insurance company to report the accident and provide details about all other involved parties. If the police rule that you are not at fault, your provider will contact the liable party’s insurance company to submit a claim.

Next, an insurance adjuster will inspect your vehicle and estimate how much it will cost to repair or replace the damage. This information helps determine what insurance will—and will not—cover.

If you experience an injury in an auto accident, the Law Offices of Lawrence W. Henke, III, will provide representation to help you collect compensation for damages. Practicing personal injury law for more than three decades, they can help demonstrate that another driver was at-fault for your injuries and argue for a fair settlement to cover losses—such as those related to medical care and loss of work. To learn more about how this Dayton, OH, car accident attorney can help build your case, visit the law office online. Call (937) 461-9330 to schedule an initial consultation.