Being in an auto accident is always a frightening experience, especially if you are injured. Even when your injuries don’t seem very severe, you could find out that they are worse than you think once the adrenaline of being in the accident wears off.

Whether you’re in a minor fender bender or a more serious crash, here is what you should be doing immediately following an auto accident.

Remain Calm

The most important thing to remember when you are involved in an accident of any kind is to remain calm. You will almost certainly be shaken up by what happened, but you won’t be doing yourself or anyone else any good if you panic. Take a deep breath, look around you to make sure you’re not in any immediate danger, and do your best to keep a cool head.

Check on Everyone Involved

If you can, make sure that everyone who was involved in the accident is okay. This includes all drivers and passengers who were in your vehicle or any other vehicles that may have been damaged. If someone is injured, seek medical attention for them immediately. Do not move anybody who is unconscious or is experiencing pain in their neck or back.

Keep Your Information Handy

You will need to provide your insurance information to all parties who were involved in the accident as well as with the authorities, so have all of that handy. You should have a copy of your insurance information in your vehicle at all times, so make sure you can find it when you need it.

Stay At the Scene

Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal. The police will no doubt be on the scene along with emergency medical personnel, so stay where you are until you are told you can leave.

Seek Medical Attention As Soon as Possible

If you are severely injured, you will probably be checked out by an EMT before you are told you can leave, but even if your injuries don’t seem too severe, make an appointment to get yourself checked out anyway. Your injuries could be more severe than you think, and waiting too long before seeking medical attention could affect your chances of filing an insurance claim for your personal injury.

Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you could be entitled to some compensation. Speak to an auto accident lawyer San Jose has listed in its directory to find out if this is a viable option for you.