According to statistics, a car accident occurs every 10 minutes. This means that it could happen to you anytime if you're not careful. And if it does happen, be sure that you know what to do after it. The period that immediately follows car accidents is the most crucial so you should be prepared. Here are the things that you should do:

1. Call the authorities immediately.

Do not handle everything by yourself because this could lead to the worsening of the situation. Have authorities take care of it. The police will help settle the situation. They will also make a police report regarding the car accident that will identify who really is at fault. While waiting for the authorities to arrive, keep your cool to avoid any fights or arguments with the other party from ensuing.

2. Have yourself checked by a doctor.

Even if you think that you are perfect all right, go see a doctor as soon as possible. You might have some injuries that you are not aware of. There are instances when injuries and complications arise several weeks or months after the car accident.

3. Obtain as much information as you can about the incident.

By collecting a lot of information, you will help preserve evidence that may be harder to obtain later on or may even get lost. Here are some details that you may want to take note of:

a. Names and contact details of the other party

b. Names and contact details of the registered owners of the vehicle involved

c. Names and contact details of passengers

d. Names and contact details of witnesses, if any

e. Names and contact details of the authorities who responded to the situation

f. License number of the driver(s)

g. Insurance company and policy numbers of driver(s)

h. Location of the accident

i. How exactly the car accident took place

j. Description of all the damages to property and injuries to persons that happened

k. Your impression of the driver (i.e. under the influence of alcohol or drugs) and the reason for your impression (i.e. slurred speech, red eyes, etc.)

l. Photos of the scene, if you have a camera with you or if there's a nearby store where you can purchase a disposable camera. Take as many pictures as you can to get a more accurate representation of what happened.

4. Get skilled legal representation.

An experienced car accident lawyer will help you in dealing with all the parties involved ? the drivers, authorities, witnesses, and insurance companies. Moreover, they will help you identify what damages you suffered from the accident and get the appropriate compensation for it.

5. Do not admit fault.

Never take responsibility for the accident and admit fault to anyone at the incident. The evidence recovered might prove later on that you are innocent.

If you follow the above tips, you will be ensured that the whole process after the car accident, from gathering information to getting your compensation, will run smoothly and be straightforward.