We all hope that we will never be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, the odds are that at some point in out life we will be. So what should you do if the worst happens and you find yourself in an accident? Each accident is unique and may require slightly different procedures, but the following is a list of steps that are usually helpful after an auto accident:

• If you are able to move your vehicle out of the roadway to avoid any further collisions, you should do so immediately.
• Call 911 to report the accident – even if you think you don’t need the police it is always better to make an official report. 
• Get the other driver’s information including name, address, telephone number and insurance information. Also, write down the make, model and license plate number of the vehicle as the vehicle may be registered to someone other than the driver.
• Check for any witnesses that may have seen the accident and attempt to get their information as well. Although this information may appear on a police report, don’t count on it.
• If you were not transported via ambulance to the hospital then have yourself checked out as soon as possible by a physician. You may have internal injuries that you are unaware of or injuries that won’t present symptoms until a day or two later. If you eventually end up filing a claim for damages as a result of the accident then you will need to prove that the injuries were a direct result of the accident. Therefore, the sooner you seek medical treatment the better.
• When you are able to, return to the accident scene and take photos of the location and any other relevant information (ie: traffic lights, obstructions, road hazards)
• Take photos of any damages your vehicle suffered as soon as possible
• Get at least two estimates for any damage your vehicle suffered. If the vehicle was totaled then get a written estimate of the value of the vehicle. 
• Get a written statement from your employer for any time you missed at work as well as what your hourly rate of pay is.