You put on the breaks at a stoplight. It’s too bad that the person behind you didn’t do the same. They didn’t put enough space between their car and your’s resulting in a rear-end collision. 

Luckily, it was only a fender bender. Other than some minor damage and a few bruises, both you and the other driver are fine. Even in these situations, it’s necessary to know what to do after a car accident. 

You’ll still have to get a police report, and get in touch with your insurance company if you want to get the compensation you need to fix your vehicle damages. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Get Somewhere Safe 

The first thing everyone should do after auto accidents is get to a safe place. If your car still functions, pull over to the side of the road and put your hazard lights on. 

If there’s anyone on the road, help them get out of the way of traffic. That is unless that person is injured. If that’s the case, leave them be. 

If you try to move them, you may jostle them and make matters worse. The only time you should move them regardless of injuries is if you feel like their current position puts them in grave enough danger. 

2. Call the Police

Once everyone is safe, take out your phone and call the police. This step is required in most states if someone gets hurt or the property damage is bad enough. 

When the police arrive on the scene, they’ll make a report. You’re going to need a copy of it to file a proper car accident claim with your insurance company. You should be able to go to the station later to get your copy. 

3. Get Documentation 

Sometimes, the police report isn’t enough to get the compensation you deserve. You’re going to need to get additional evidence before you consult the experts. 

The more pictures you have, the more your lawyer will have to work with. Take photos of the car damage along with any injuries you received. 

4. Avoid Admitting Fault

After the accident, you’ll need to ask the other driver for their name, car insurance info, and phone number. Past that, you don’t want to talk to them. 

The more you go on, the more likely it will be that something you say could be taken as you admitting fault. You’ll want to be cooperative, but don’t talk too much until after you speak to your lawyer. 

You should also avoid taking anything that could be considered a form of compensation from the other driver. 

Know What to Do After a Car Accident 

There’s almost nothing more stressful than getting into a vehicle crash. Take a deep breath and get yourself to safety. From there, it’s all a matter of knowing what to do after a car accident. 

If you run through the steps that we’ve highlighted here, you’ll be on the fast track toward getting the compensation that you deserve. For more ways to navigate your way around the legal world, visit our blog!