Every time your drive, you subject yourself to a certain amount of risk. If you find yourself in a collision, it's important to know what your next steps will be, so you can protect yourself both physically and legally. Use the following guide to create a post-car-accident checklist, from assessing your injuries to contacting an auto accident lawyer.

How to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident

1. Consider Your Immediate Environment

Directly after an accident, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road, if possible. Then, use your windows and mirrors to check that there's no risk of additional collisions.

You might be in shock, which could prevent you from noticing any injuries at first. Take a minute to check in with your body, looking for signs of bruising, bleeding, and general pain. If you find injuries, ask for medical attention before doing anything else.

2. Document the Scene

As soon as you’ve determined your own safety and scanned your environment for hazards, slowly exit your vehicle and pull out your smartphone or camera. Take photos of the damage to your car and to the other driver’s vehicle. Take photos of any debris in the roadway, as well as road signs and stop lights that might have contributed to the accident.

Jot down what you remember to paint a picture of the scene right before the crash—such as the colors of the cars around you, the weather, and any unusual occurrences, like jarring noises. Your notes will come in handy when talking to your insurance company and determining fault later on.

3. Be Thorough With the Police

Regardless of the severity of your accident, it's important to record the incident by calling the police. When they arrive, avoid apologizing or taking blame for any part of the accident—simply state the facts.

Provide any documents the police request and write down the officer’s badge number, name, and phone number. Once they’ve finished writing up a report, ask for a copy of the final version. Your auto accident lawyer will want to compare their story with your testimony and that of other witnesses.

Once you're safe at home, contact Love-Sloan Law in Rock Hill, SC. These auto accident lawyers will review every detail of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. These attorneys have been helping victims for almost two decades, whether they were hurt on the job or on the road. If you’re interested in setting up a consultation with this trusted firm, call (803) 326-0000. You can also visit the website to learn more about their practice areas.