According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there were 6,756,000 crashes in the U.S. in 2019. Out of these, 36,096 individuals died and 2,740,000 sustained injuries. Vehicle collisions are a frequent occurrence, especially in larger cities where the volume of traffic is higher.

If you ever find yourself in a vehicular accident, you might experience shock and confusion initially. The first thing you need to do is assess your physical condition, that of the other party and seek medical attention. After that, you need to stay calm and take a few actions.

1. Contact the police

Even if it might seem like a minor collision with minor injuries, it is wise to contact the police so they can start a report on the incident.  It is likely your insurance carrier will also want copies of the police report for their own files.

2. Exchange information with the other driver

You need to swap contact and insurance information with the other automobile operator. While you don’t need to get into detailed personal information, it is wise to get the name, contact information, insurance carrier and anything else the driver is willing to share. The police will likely collect the relevant information that you can use to ultimately build a case and seek compensation.

3. Document everything

The more evidence you have, the easier it is to file a claim. You need to take pictures of the site and any harm done. It may also help to speak to any witnesses and write down their testimonies and phone numbers.

Motor vehicle accidents may result in many long-term consequences. Taking the appropriate steps after one may make it easier for you to recover monetary compensation and avoid overwhelming debt.