If you are involved in a car wreck, it is easy to make mistakes. A crash is, after all, a high-stress situation. There may be lots of people talking at you, sirens sounding and lights flashing. You may be injured and in considerable pain.

Having a plan can help you avoid critical errors which could harm your chance of claiming fair compensation for your injuries and losses down the road.

Your immediate actions after a car wreck make a difference

Here are some things to remember and do if you are ever in a collision with another vehicle:

• Do not apologize: Being too polite could cost you. The other party’s insurance company may take anything that sounds like an apology as an admission that the crash was your fault.
• Gather evidence: While the police should come and take full notes at the scene, it is best to collect some proof yourself. Your phone has all you need. Use the camera on your phone to take pictures. Use the voice recorder to note down anything you see or collect the details of witnesses.
• Get a medical check-up: If you do not visit a doctor for a few days, the insurer could claim your injuries occurred elsewhere.
• Contact your insurance company: The sooner you contact your insurer, the better. There might be a time limit in the small print of your policy.
• Do not speak to the opposing insurer: They may contact you to try and get you to say something which would reduce any payout they must make. They might also offer you a figure to settle immediately. It might seem like a lot, but it will be less than you are entitled to. Tell them to speak to your attorney.

You should contact an attorney promptly after a car crash. They can help you fight for compensation and protect you from claims by the other party and insurers’ tactics.