If you find yourself in a car accident, how you react in the immediate seconds, minutes, and hours after will have lasting consequences. There are more than 6 million car accidents in the US every single year, the vast majority of which are trouble and injury-free.

However, this is not guaranteed. If you have suffered a car accident injury, you need to know what to do in the immediate aftermath. If the car accident injury was not your fault, how you act in the minutes after the accident will have a significant impact on your chances of receiving the compensation you are entitled to. With that in mind, here are five things you need to do immediately after a car crash.

1. Seek Medical Treatment

No matter how mild your car crash might seem, always seek medical attention before you do anything else. Many car accident injuries do not begin to hurt until hours or even days after the accident has occurred. You might think you are fine, but you could be suffering from whiplash, bone bruises, or even internal bleeding without even knowing. Seek medical attention immediately.

2. Never Leave the Scene

This one really cannot be stressed enough. If you are in a car accident of any kind, even if you are sure that you are not at fault, do not leave the scene. Wait medical authorities and the police have arrived. Always make sure you have the other driver’s information before leaving. If you leave the scene early, you could be construed as a guilty party.

3. Document Everything

Your chances of receiving due justice and compensation after a car accident will depend largely on the information you are able to gather. This immediate aftermath of an accident is the most important time for collecting this information. Make sure to take photos of everything at the scene. Gather all insurance and contact information from other drivers. Make a note of everything you observe at the scene. No detail is too small, as it may become very important later.

4. Consult a Lawyer

If you believe that the car accident was not your fault, you should immediately call a lawyer. Fortunately, you do not need to splash out big cash for a retainer. By consulting a major law firm like https://desalvolaw.com/car-accident-lawyer/, you can have a free meeting with a lawyer to share your story. The lawyer will then determine whether you need their services and whether they will pursue your case. This is why documentation is key.

5. Collect the Right Information

Make sure to collect the right information after the actual crash. This means getting a police report from the scene, which you are legally entitled to receive. It means getting a statement from your insurance company of any costs incurred as a result of the crash. All of this information will prove to be crucial if your case goes to trial.

Learn More About Car Crash Injury Law

When you have suffered a car crash injury, it always pays to know the law. For this, you have come to the right place. By perusing our expertly-curated Traffic Law section, you can learn everything you need to know about how the law aims to protect victims of automobile accidents.