It’s not something we think about, but many drivers will be involved in some kind of auto accident during their time behind the wheel. It could be a slight incident where some paint has been scraped off the bumper or something more substantial and serious. No matter what type of accident you have, there are certain things you need to do immediately afterward in addition to contacting your insurance company.

If you find yourself in these unfortunate circumstances, then you should take these steps to ensure you get the best outcome from this situation. These are some of the things you’ll need to think about during what can be a stressful time:

Call the police

Once you are off the road, so you don’t block any traffic and create another hazardous situation for other drivers, call the police immediately as they will be important to assess a situation. You shouldn’t change anything at the scene of the accident because the police will need to look at what occurred and take suitable action.

Check for injuries

You should assess all those involved for any injuries. You can then issue immediate first aid, using the medical kit in your vehicle, to anyone who needs the most medical attention at that point. This is important, as is calling for additional assistance if that is also required. Your first aid kit will help you give immediate care before medical professionals arrive.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, then this might mean you’re eligible for compensation. If so, you may wish to contact lawyers such as www.brownandcrouppen.com. Your situation can then be evaluated to see if you have a case and get a monetary award.

Exchange details

Once you’ve checked no one is injured, then you should exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. The most important details you should exchange include:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license and license plate number
• Model, type and color of vehicle
• Accident location
• Insurance company and policy number

Avoid discussing who was at fault when talking about the facts with the other driver involved. The adjuster for your insurance claim will decide who’s at fault depending on what’s been damaged, the details provided by you and the other driver, plus supporting documentation (for example, photographs from the scene or the police report).

Must Read: What Does RV Insurance Cost?

Document the accident

There are certain points you need to follow to protect yourself in these types of situations. These include:

• Identify the police officers and get a copy of the report. This should include the badge number and name of all officers who attend. These officers can confirm where you can get a copy of the report, as your insurer may ask for it with your insurance claim.
• Take pictures. Take photographs of your vehicle from a number of angles, plus any damage to both vehicles. Also take a picture of the license plate of the other car. You may want to share these with your insurer to support your claim.
• Take names. Get the names and addresses of everyone involved, including those passengers in the other vehicle. Also do the same with anyone who witnessed the accident.