In recent years there have been more than 5 million car accidents annually. If you are one of the unfortunate people to be involved in a motor accident, it’s important to know the right actions to take. Here are some important points to keep in mind if you should find yourself in this situation:

Stay Calm. The most important thing to do after being in a car crash is to try your best to remain stay calm and focused. Emotions will be running high after the initial shock of impact and the worst thing to do is to panic and be unable to assess the situation calmly and rationally.

Note Injuries. First and foremost make sure you are safe and get the medical help you need. Second, it is a wise to note any visible injuries on other drivers and their passengers (if any).

Exchange Information. Hit-and-run is illegal in all 50 states; you must exchange pertinent information such as insurance information before leaving the scene. Depending on how serious the accident is, you will need to wait for law enforcement to intervene. It is imperative that you get the following information- names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate, driver’s license numbers and insurance information. Do not make any statement or attempt to explain your side because any exchange of relevant information will be used against you in court of law which can hurt your case. So it is best to remain go through the proper steps at the scene of the accident and contact a reputable car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Witnesses. Get their names, phone numbers, statements, and any evidence they might have captured on their cell phone, such as photos or videos of the scene that will help your case.

Call the Police. If law enforcement officials are at the scene, they can be invaluable in helping to document the situation and assess any wrongdoing. Be sure to get their information such as name, badge number and the police report number. Ensure that you will get a copy of the accident report they file.

Although it’s impossible not to be distressed after getting into a car accident, following the steps above will help you in the right direction if legal actions need to be taken. It will assist you in following the law, protecting your rights and communicating with the appropriate parties and most importantly getting the right accident lawyer to represent you.