If you are involved in a car accident, stay calm do not panic. Make sure you stay safe and keep other passengers safe also if you can. Check for injuries as you wait for the relevant respondents to arrive at the scene. Whether you are at fault or not, avoid discussing with the other driver and consult Houston car wreck injury lawyers. The following are things you need to do after a car accident.

Stay Safe

Getting distracted after a car accident is easy and it might interfere with your safety. If it is a minor accident, do not leave children, disabled and pets in a locked car. You should not remove the seatbelt, you might have injuries that are not visible at that moment.

Create a calm environment by ensuring everyone that it’s going to be fine, in case they feel agitated. Prevent more harm by keeping your flashers on, if your lights don’t work, use a flashlight for safety. Never drive away from the scene of an accident before the relevant respondent arrives, even a minor accident.

Call for Help

Do not hesitate to call the police and even if there are no serious injuries. Calling an ambulance is the first thing to do when someone is injured. The helpline to call might differ from state to state. Other states require calling 911 only to report accident emergencies. It is important to know which number to call in your state and where to report to.

Sometimes the police might take longer to come to the accident scene, be prepared for a long wait. If the police don’t respond completely, you can go to the nearest police station and report as soon as possible. The limited-time you can report to the police is 72hours but it might vary by state.

Document Everything

Use your phone to take pictures of the scene. The pictures should capture every visible detail of the vehicles involved. Take photos of your injuries and other people’s. If you can’t take pictures, ask someone to do it for you or take them as soon as possible after the accident. Consider drawing a diagram to illustrate the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.

As you document, make sure you don’t interfere with the police investigation. Gathering information from witnesses may help you to know who was at fault. Information from witnesses is also important when filing a claim from an insurance company. Documentation helps to solve disputed issues and prove the extent of damages and injuries.

Gather Information from the Driver

If the driver at fault stopped their car, gather the most information you can. From the name, phone number, car registration number, insurance provider details, policy details, and driver’s license number.

Give your information in return to assist with their insurance claim. It is advised to stay silent about discussing who was at fault. Who is at fault will be determined based on the inspection by the insurance company and any supporting evidence such as photographs, police reports, and witnesses.