Accidents happen in a tenth of a second, and just like that, they can change your world forever. After an accident, you can count on being physically shaken up, mentally stressed, and perhaps in shock.

But what you do in these critical moments after the accident determines how fast (and how well) you recover financially, and physically. It can even save you from a nasty lawsuit. So, commit these steps to memory and you’ll be totally prepared when an accident happens!

Check Yourself After You Wreck Yourself

Steps to Take After An Accident

Image Via Flickr by Pargon

Check yourself for injury. Touch your face, arms, legs and body to see if anything hurts, and visually check yourself for signs of bruising, cuts, or even broken bones. Remember, if you’re in shock or if adrenaline is flowing, you may not feel pain right away.

Write down all your injuries, even if they seem minor. Some minor injuries (like back and neck pain) can intensify the next day, or over a matter of days. Immediately call for medical help if you need it. Do not wait to call an ambulance, and do not opt to call the police first. Your health and the health of the other person involved is the most important thing. And even if you don’t see a doctor immediately following the accident, make sure you visit one as soon as possible.

Secure the Accident Scene Right Away

Secure the scene so you don’t cause another accident. If you’re able and your car is driveable, move to the shoulder and away from traffic. If you can’t drive the car, turn on the emergency flashers or set out road flares to warn oncoming traffic.

Once the scene is secure, call the police and report the accident, even if it’s a minor fender bender. Call local city or town police if the accident is in the city or on a municipal road. Contact the state police if the accident is on the highway or interstate. Police will make an official report, and this will protect you from any false claims made by the other driver after the accident.

Document and Photograph the Wreck

Document the accident yourself.  Note the time of day, traffic conditions, and describe how the accident happened from your point of view. Snap pictures using your cell phone or digital camera for your own records. This will help when you file your claim.

Next, write down the other driver’s license plate number, full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration. Make sure to copy the other driver’s insurance information from their insurance ID card. Keep all of this information together, so you have it handy when you contact your insurance company.

Hire a Lawyer if Necessary

If you have serious injuries and need medical treatment, find a lawyer. Insurance companies are notorious for offering cheap settlements, and refusing to pay for everything. Search for injury attorneys online and find a good in the area the accident occurred. For instance, if your wreck happened in Carrollton, search for Carrollton personal injury attorneys.

Always follow these steps after an accident, and you’ll get back on the road safely and securely in no time at all.  Are there any other steps you would recommend taking immediately following an accident?