A car accident is a terribly jarring, disorienting, and confusing experience. If you have been in an accident, it may take you some time to recover your bearings. Once you have done so, you should take the following actions:

1. Check yourself and your passengers

You may not know straight away if you are bleeding. That is why you should rub your hands over your body to see if there are any wet or sticky spots. You should also check the status of the passengers in your car.

2. Call emergency services

You should call 911 immediately. Do not assume that the persons in the other car or witnesses to the crash will do it. The operator will dispatch police, fire, and ambulance to the scene even as they speak to you.

3. Check the status of passengers in the other car

If you are conscious and mobile, you should go over to the car to ensure everyone is okay. If there are injuries in the other vehicle, you should tell the 911 operator about them. Try to give as much detail as you can.

4. Exchange information with the other driver

You should exchange personal and insurance details with the other driver. You need not say anything that acknowledges fault for the accident. Nor should you blame the other driver for it. The best move is to keep silent and tell your story later to the appropriate person.

5. Take photos of the accident

Using your cell phone, you should take as many pictures as you can of the damage done to your car. You also want to get photos of the accident scene. This is important documentary evidence, and it can be used in any future legal action.

6. Get yourself examined

You should go immediately to the emergency room. Even if you do not feel as though you are seriously hurt, you should have yourself examined by an ER physician. They may detect a problem that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Before any wounds are bandaged you should take a photograph of them. The hospital staff will show you how to do so safely.

7. Call your lawyer

As you recover from your injuries, you need to think about the future. The first step should be to call a lawyer. You should call a lawyer even before you contact your insurance company to report the accident. It is important to remember that your insurance company is most interested in doing what is best for them. Your lawyer has your interests at heart and will advise you of your rights as a policyholder.