A car accident is sudden, traumatic event because it happens without warning. Since it is so unexpected and overwhelming, it can be hard to think straight right after it happens. However, there are steps that you should take after an accident that will make any subsequent insurance claims and/or lawsuits happen much more smoothly. If you want to increase the chances of success for any insurance claims or lawsuits, then you need to hire a highly experienced, car accident attorney.

If you live in the Kansas area, then you should contact the Law Offices of Edward A. Stump to help you after a car accident. Residents of other cities should find an equally qualified auto accident attorney, but only after taking the right steps after the accident.

Step 1: Check For Injuries

This goes for yourself as well as any passengers that may have been in the vehicle with you. If you realize that you have suffered a serious injury that makes movement difficult or impossible, then you should stay put and wait for emergency services to arrive. If you can safely move, then you should get out of the vehicle and check on the other people involved in the accident. If your passenger or the people in the other vehicle appear to be hurt, do not attempt to move them since that could exacerbate any injuries they may have. Wait for emergency services to arrive and help them.

Step 2: Get To Safety

If possible, you should get out of the road and move to the shoulder, sidewalk, or any safe area near to you. If your vehicle is operable, then you should move it out of the road if it might become a hazard to other drivers. If the vehicle is immobile and you have an emergency kit on hand, then place the flares or signs from the kit around the vehicle to warn any oncoming drivers.

Step 3: Do Not Leave The Scene

You should never, ever leave the scene of an accident because it is illegal and you could get into serious trouble for doing so, especially if anyone was injured. So stay at the scene until the authorities arrive.

Step 4: Call The Police

Even if the accident is minor, the police should be called to the scene. When they arrive, you should cooperate with them fully and without hesitation. During your interaction with them, make sure that you do not admit fault for the accident or cast blame on anyone else. Any admission of guilt can come back to haunt you during insurance claims or lawsuits. The police will file a report, which will be useful during the claims process. If the police are unable to get to the scene, then you can file a report yourself at the police station or the DMV.

Step 5: Exchange Information

If possible, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Make certain to exchange the following information:

• Full name and contact information of driver, passenger(s), and eyewitnesses
• Driver’s license and license plate number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Make, model, and color of vehicle
• Accident location
• Police officers’ badge numbers

Step 6: Document The Accident Scene

If your phone is in working order, use it to take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident from various angles. If any property was damaged or destroyed, then take pictures of it as well. You should also ask the officers on the scene where you can obtain a copy of the police report.

Step 7: Call Your Insurance Company

While you are still at the scene, call your insurer and inform them of all the details of the accident and any injuries you have suffered. They will let you know what they will need from you during the claims process.

Step 8: Call An Accident Attorney

If the crash resulted in any injuries, then you should contact an accident attorney. They will help to file a lawsuit that can get you the compensation that you need to cover any accident-related expenses. You should also consult with your attorney before taking any settlement offers from your insurance company.

Keep Calm and Follow These Steps

It is natural to be confused and disoriented after a car accident. But if you take a few beats to calm down, assess the situation and follow the steps outlined above, then you will have a much better chance of avoiding any future trauma down the road.