Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is unsettling, no matter how minor it may seem. As such, you may feel uncertain about what to do directly following the event. From documenting evidence to securing an auto accident attorney, here are a few steps to take after a crash occurs.

5 Smart Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

1. Pull Over

Pull to the side of the road if you’re able to. Doing so can help prevent the risk of further injury and will help to ensure you and any passengers are out of the way of oncoming traffic. If possible, set up road flares or safety triangles when you feel ready.

2. Assess Damage

When you’re safely to the side of the road, check for any injuries and assess the damage to your vehicle. If there are any injuries, attend to the wounded parties right away. Don’t forget to ask your passengers about injuries that might not be readily obvious, such as concussions or whiplash.

3. Contact the Police

No matter how minor the accident may seem, contacting the authorities is always a good idea. This ensures a police report is generated, which provides written evidence of the nature of the accident. When speaking with police, avoid taking blame for the accident. Instead, explain what happened as clearly as possible.

4. Take Photographs

While the police report will document the nature of the accident, having photographs can be invaluable. This is especially true if you believe the other party was at fault. Take photos of the scene, both cars, and any signs or lights that may have been involved in the incident. Auto accident attorneys often use photographs as evidence in court should the matter ever go to trial.

5. Exchange Information

Get in touch with the other driver to exchange insurance information and license plate numbers. When you contact your insurance company to file a claim for the cost of damages, you’ll need this information. If the other driver was at fault, it’s possible their insurance company will need to pay out.

If you’ve been involved in a collision resulting from another driver’s negligence, you could be eligible for compensation. The auto accident attorneys at Jones & Jones, P.C. Attorneys at Law can help. Serving Covington County, AL, these legal professionals are committed to pursuing the best possible outcomes for their clients. Find out more about their practice areas online or call (334) 222-3161 to schedule a consultation.