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For many people out there, getting into a car accident will be a first for them. These are the lucky ones, the people who have never had to deal with their insurance company in the wake of a wreck before. But that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve sympathy. Car accidents are traumatic and confusing events. And for these car accident newbies, they may not know exactly what they’re supposed to do following a crash.

So let’s talk about some basic steps and strategies that someone can employ in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. What should you do? How should you proceed? Here are a few ways to deal with the chaos after a wreck:

The first thing you should do is remain calm. That is a lot easier to say than it is to do, but if you take a few deep breaths and just focus on the matter at hand, you can get through this relatively easily.

The next step is to handle a few logistical issues. Check on the other drivers or people involved in the wreck. Use your cellphone to take photos of the accident scene, or record audio from witnesses who saw the wreck. Also, get the information of people who were involved in the wreck, as well as the information of witnesses. Amidst all of this, don’t forget to call the police.

Then, you will have to deal with some long(er)-term issues. If you were injured and accepted medical attention, be sure to keep track of your records and your treatment. This could be very important in case of a civil lawsuit. You will also need to report the wreck to your insurance company.

Source: FindLaw, “After a Car Accident: First Steps,” Accessed July 23, 2015