Accidents can happen even to very safe drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Americans drove 325 billion more miles in 2021 than they did the year before. More drivers on the road can translate into more accidents. Before calling a car accident lawyer, it's important to know what steps you should take after an accident. Keep reading to learn more.

Check Injuries

Immediately following an accident, you should check yourself and anyone around you for injuries. While some injuries will be obvious, some aren't. Even a minor accident could result in injuries that aren't immediately apparent, so it's always good to be extra careful.

Call Police

Most states require you to notify the police if there has been an accident. This is always a good step to remember. You want to have the authorities on the site as quickly as possible. They will be able to start assessing the wreck and creating important documents you might need later. The longer you are at the scene of the wreck without authorities the more details can be changed or forgotten. It's also better to have the police on the site in case someone involved in the wreck gets aggressive or angry.

Exchange Information

You'll need to exchange information with the other parties involved in the wreck. This information should include your name, contact info, and insurance info. This is important information to have for filing claims later.

Avoid Discussing the Wreck

Immediately following the wreck, be sure you only discuss details with the police. You shouldn't discuss the details of the accident with the other party involved. This could be used against you later if there are difficulties with insurance claims.

Document the Accident

Use your phone to accurately document the wreck. Photos and videos can be very useful later on when the insurance company is trying to determine damages. It's also useful if someone tries to change details, such as the position of the car. You should document damage, license plates, injuries, positions of vehicles, and any other relevant details.

Once you're sent home, you can contact a car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can help ensure you are treated fairly by the insurance company if the other party is at fault. These legal professionals can help you navigate the often confusing details of a car accident with injuries. If you need a car accident lawyer, please contact Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey today. We are here for your legal needs.