More than 3 million people experience auto crashes in the United States every year. These accidents often leave people without a vehicle for weeks on end. Car repair, insurance, and even hospital stays can lengthen the time it takes for people to get back on the road. There are, however, certain steps you can take to help in lessening the inconveniences of what occurs after a car accident. Today's article will be on 5 steps you should take after being in an auto accident.

1. Make sure you are safe. Be sure you're not in the way of incoming traffic. If you are injured in any way don't get out of the vehicle. When you are in a safe location, proceed with calling 911 or the police. Take an ambulance to the hospital or call a friend for a ride. 

2. When the police arrive, try to give them an as accurate as possible description of  what happened before and after the accident. If you are unsure about anything, be sure to let the officer know. 

3. Be sure to take photos with your phone camera of any and all damage. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you sustained as well. Just remember when taking the pictures, be sure to not interfere with the police investigation.

4. If the police are not called, you MUST obtain the contact and insurance information of the other person. This will prevent a lot of informational headaches when the claim goes to insurance. 

5. Keep a file about the accident. There is a lot of paperwork that comes with even small accidents. Keeping it in an organized file will be the easiest way to have quick access when dealing with insurance, courts, and doctors. A neat file will also keep you from loosing important paperwork. 

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