In the U.S., over 6 million car accidents occur every year. Most of them aren’t fatal and only result in damaged property and minor injuries.

But getting into a car accident is no joke. They can be very damaging to those involved and you want to make sure everyone is safe and protected.

Wondering what to do after a minor car accident? To keep yourself and your passengers safe, here are 4 tips on how to handle the situation. We hope you’ll never need to use them, but it’s important to know what to do.

1. Get Somewhere Safe and Check on Everyone

If you are able to, try to move to a safe area away from the road. Make sure passengers are okay and that nobody (including yourself) has any injuries.

If you’re okay and nobody in the car requires help, go check on the other car. If they have injuries you need to get to them as fast as possible and call for paramedics.

When you call for paramedics, tell them about all injuries, no matter how minor they seem. They’ll be able to check everyone out and care for any injuries.

2. Call the Police

Your next step is to call the police. Even if everyone is fine, you’ll need to file a police report to claim on your insurance for any damages.

Leave the vehicles at the scene (unless they are blocking traffic). The police will need to assess them to make their report. If you are too shook up right away, most police will allow you to file a report within 72 hours after the accident.

3. Take Photos

Next, you’ll want to get plenty of photographic evidence of the accident. Use your cell phone camera to photograph the cars, the damages made, and any injuries. Make sure to get the license plates of both vehicles and the surrounding areas. They will help to prove the details of the accident to show the insurance company.

If there were witnesses, get their name and contact details. If you weren’t at fault, they’ll help back up your claim.

4. Talk to an Attorney

The next most important step is to speak to an attorney. They’ll help you protect your rights and keep valuable evidence secure. You’ll need to find an attorney who specializes in accident claims. They’ll give you the best chance of winning your claim.

Zanes Law is a good example of car accident attorneys who can help you get adequate compensation for any injuries. They will help you win your case and ease the burden as you sort out the legal process following an accident.

Now You Know What To Do After a Minor Car Accident

When you know what to do after a minor accident, you’ll be able to help yourself and others in the best way possible. A car accident is something we hope will never happen to you or your loved ones. But if it ever does happen, now you know what to do.

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