Car accidents happen so abruptly that you might forget the common-sense steps to take to ensure your safety. Some of the common mistakes people make include fleeing the scene in a panic, failing to involve the police, or oversharing information with the at-fault party's insurance provider.

So, what should you do after a motor vehicle accident to ensure your physical and legal safety?

Discover seven crucial steps to take.

1. Pull Over

Depending on the severity of an accident, your vehicle may come to a sudden stop or have a few scratches. In either case, you are legally required to pull over immediately. Take a minute or two to cope with the shock. If you are not hurt, step out and assess the situation.

Your safety and the safety of other people involved in the crash are of paramount importance. Be aware of your surroundings, and move away from possible danger without leaving the scene.

2. Check for Casualties

If other people are involved in an accident, you have a legal obligation to check on them and seek medical help if necessary. Do not move seriously injured persons and instead wait for the medics to move them safely. Be sure to keep them as comfortable as possible, and administer first aid if need be as you wait for the ambulance.

3. Call 911

Call 911 whether accident victims are severely injured or not. Note that some auto injuries typically have delayed symptoms that can have a long-lasting impact on your health. Calling 911 also ensures that the police arrive at the scene within the least time possible.

Once the police arrive, be sure to:

• Give an accurate record of what you believe happened without guessing or speculating
• Avoid making self-incriminating statements

Also, exchange information with the other driver(s) if the police don't arrive at the accident scene. The information must include:

• Full name, address, and contact details
• Insurance provider and policy number
• Driver's license and vehicle registration number

4. Call Your Attorney and Insurance Company

The next step is to call your car accident attorney and inform your auto insurance company about the collision. Depending on the location of an accident, your insurer may send an adjuster to assess the scene and the damages. If the liable party in a car crash is not clear-cut, your attorney will dispense legal guidance to ensure your rights and best interests are well-protected.

5. Document the Scene

The police report will play a key role in helping insurance companies to assign fault. However, you should protect your best interests by documenting the accident scene and gathering other vital information.

Follow these steps:

• Take pictures of the scene, including the positioning of the cars after impact, visible damages, and road skid marks, if any.
• Take photos of your injuries.
• If the police respond to the accident, get their names and badge numbers.
• Note down the contact information of any eyewitnesses.

6. Move Cars 

Accident scenes can cause so much traffic and even increase the likelihood of causing other accidents. Once you have taken clear pictures of the scene and the police have created a report, move your cars. 

Contact a reliable towing company to lend a hand if you cannot safely drive your vehicle to an auto repair shop. Remove all your personal items from the car before the towers arrive.

7. Check In With Your Doctor

With your vehicle towed and your attorney working on filing your auto accident claim, you might just want to go home and relax. Resist the temptation and instead visit your doctor for a thorough checkup. Rule out common concerns like mild concoctions and whiplash that often take hours or days to manifest.

If you’ve been in an accident, turn to Hix Wrecker Service Inc. We are a leading towing company in Indianapolis. Call us for a prompt response whether you need general towing, heavy-duty towing, or roadside assistance. We operate 24/7/365 and will provide a detailed, customized quote.