It can be difficult to think clearly after a car accident. If you've never been in an accident before, you may not know what to do. Being prepared in advance can help you stay calm when an accident actually occurs. Here are four important tips you should remember after an accident.

Pull Over

The first thing you should do after an accident is pull over to the side of the road – if you can. Unless your car has been rendered immovable, you should always clear the road. There are three important reasons for this. First, it will prevent other accidents from occurring. Second, it will prevent you from getting hit while walking around in the street. Third, it will allow traffic to continue flowing, which will allow emergency vehicles to get to you quicker if they're needed.

Call the Police

If anyone was injured in the accident, or there is physical damage to either of the vehicles, you should call the police. If there are no serious injuries, you can call dispatch and report the accident. If you're going to seek legal representation, your attorney is going to need the report in order to determine damages and fault. It's important to note that if you or someone else has been injured in the accident, you should call 911. 

Don't Apologize

Even if you think you're at fault, you shouldn't assume responsibility until after the police complete their report. If you assume responsibility – and the police conclude that it wasn't your fault, you may jeopardize your ability to seek damages from the other insurance company.

Take Pictures

The best way to document the accident is to take pictures. You should take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident, as well as the area surrounding the accident. Be sure to get pictures of current traffic patterns. If you can, have someone take pictures of you. This will help your attorney document your condition immediately following the accident.

Make Contact with Witnesses

Talk to any witnesses that are nearby. Ask them to write a brief statement about what they might have seen. Be sure to get their names, addresses, and phone numbers, if they'll give them to you. Collecting contact information about witnesses will help your attorney and your insurance company.

Contact an Attorney

Don't try to negotiate with insurance companies by yourself, especially if you've been injured. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. They'll be able to help you receive the settlement you're entitled to. if you're having trouble obtaining medical care for your injuries, your attorney may also be able to help you obtain the care you need.

You never expect to be in a car accident. However, being prepared can help the recovery process go much smoother. The information provided above will help you know what to do when you're involved in an accident.

For professional legal help, contact a law firm such as Fonvielle, Lewis, Foote & Messer.