Car accidents, even those minor blunders, can be unexpected and stressful. Hence, knowing what to do after the incident can help make sure everyone is safe. Accordingly, knowing the law and what you need to process insurance claims can help you cover the cost of repairs and medical expenses.

The first thing you must do right after a car blunder is to check yourself for injuries and your passengers’ well-being. It would be best to get to safety by moving away from your vehicle if you notice an unusual smell and smoke coming from your car’s engine that may start a fire, or worse, an explosion.

If you happen to be involved in a two-car collision, you should move both cars to the side of the road to avoid putting other drivers in an inconvenient situation. Consequently, while waiting for help, you should exchange information with the other driver. Staying composed can be beneficial for both of you as it can provide you and the other driver a rational conversation about the incident, rather than a heated talk.

It would be best to get the other driver’s full name and contact information, insurance company and policy number, type, color, vehicle model, and accident location. Additionally, documenting the accident can help you keep evidence. So, it is crucial to take a photo of the cars, the driver’s license of the other driver, and the vehicle’s plate number.

As soon as the police arrive at the accident scene, do not forget to document them. You must identify the officers who responded to the incident. Subsequently, you should take personal notes on what happened during the incident and get a copy of the police report.

After settling things on the actual accident scene, you should contact your insurance provider to report the incident, even when it is not your fault. Furthermore, it is time to decide whether to file a claim and start the claims process.

Most minor car accidents do not need a lawyer when making claims. However, some situations may require you to hire an attorney. For example, you happen to be involved in an accident with someone uninsured and consider taking them to a small claims court. In this scenario, you may hire a Santa Ana auto accident lawyer to help you with the legal process.

Moreover, you may look into a Los Angeles personal injury attorney list if you are considering filing a claim against your insurance company in the scenario that you hold uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. They can help you take your case to trial as they understand the legal process of making claims.

Hiring a car accident attorney can help you negotiate a worthy with your insurance provider. They can give you peace of mind and help you get compensation faster than when you file a claim alone. This infographic of Avrek Law details what to do when injured in a minor car accident.