Being involved in a car accident can be a scary and confusing experience. Especially if you’ve never been in a serious auto accident, you may not be sure as to what you should do next. While we recommend that you should call an experienced car accident lawyer in Denver, there are several important things to do before making that call.

Here, we’re taking a closer look at what you should do immediately following a car accident. No matter the severity or type of accident, these steps will help ensure your safety (and that of any other drivers) and prevent the accident from becoming worse. In the event that you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, these important steps can help strengthen your legal suit and help you receive the full financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What Do I Do Right After a Car Accident?

Let’s say you’re driving on your way home, gradually coming to a stop at a stoplight you’ve passed countless times, when suddenly the car behind you doesn’t stop and rear ends your vehicle. Would you know exactly what to do next?

While hopefully, you’re never in an auto accident to begin with, it’s important to be prepared if one does occur. After all, there are car accidents every single day in this country, resulting in over 4.4 million people being hurt seriously enough that they need to receive medical attention. So, if you ever do find yourself in a car accident, follow these steps to ensure your safety and to increase the likelihood of a successful personal injury claim.

1. Move to safety: if your vehicle is still operational, the first thing you should do is to move it to a safer location. This will ensure your own safety and the safety of other drivers and help prevent the accident from involving even more cars or trucks. If possible, try to move your car to a nearby parking lot. If none is nearby, moving to the shoulder of the road will also work.

2. Seek out medical attention: your personal health and safety should always be the top priority following an auto accident. If you’re injured in a car wreck, call 911 immediately and wait for medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s always a smart move to be checked out by trained medical professionals. In some cases, your adrenaline from the crash may mask any injuries or pain that won’t be noticed until the surge of adrenaline passes. Even if you feel fine, seek out medical care.

3. Receive an official police report: after you’ve received the appropriate medical care, ensure that police are on the way to the scene. Receiving an official police report ensures that any immediate legal concerns are addressed and that you have an objective account of the accident. If the fault isn’t evident, you’ll need a police report to verify which driver caused the accident. Police may also interview any nearby eyewitnesses to help them come to a fuller understanding of what exactly happened. If needed, they can also help you receive medical care and determine what you should do next.

4. Exchange information with other drivers: while waiting for the police to arrive, you should exchange basic information with any other drivers who were involved in the car crash. For insurance purposes, it’s standard procedure to exchange basic information and your insurance information. But don’t ever feel pressured to offer more information than that. Even if the other driver asks for additional personal information (or even some type of payment) you should refuse. You should also never admit fault to another driver, even if you think you may have been partially at fault.

5. Gather evidence: after a car accident, you should try to gather as much evidence from the scene as you can. This evidence may prove vital if you choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. The evidence can take many different forms. Pictures are perhaps your most valuable form of evidence and you can simply use your smartphone. Snap photos of your vehicle, any other vehicles, and any nearby property that may have been damaged. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

In addition to photographic evidence, you can also try to get any eyewitness accounts of the accident. If any other drivers stopped or a pedestrian was nearby, feel free to politely ask them if they will submit an eyewitness report. When the police arrive, they may ask the exact same thing. You don’t need to ask the eyewitness who was at fault, but rather, simply ask them to describe what they saw in clear and vivid detail.

6. Contact your insurance company: call your insurance company to alert them about the accident and begin the process of filing a claim.

7. Call a car accident attorney: your next phone call is an important one. Call an experienced car accident attorney and they can help you determine whether or not you have a potential personal injury lawsuit.

Conclusion – What Do I Do Right After a Car Accident?

Every month, Denver averages well over a thousand car accidents. While each auto accident is of course unique, ranging in injuries, severity, and the type of property damage, being involved in any type of accident is a scary, unsettling, and confusing experience. This is why it’s so important to know what to do immediately following a car accident. Not only will this ensure you receive the right type of care that you need, but these steps can even improve your odds of winning a car accident claim.

After you receive proper medical care, it’s crucial to receive a police report so that you have an official and objective account of what happened. Then you should call your insurance company to inform them about the accident. Don’t rush to accept any settlement offers until you’ve spoken with an experienced Colorado car accident attorney. These professionals who work solely on personal injury claims can help assess your case, determine its true worth, and help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.