The second you are part of a car accident is when you begin to worry about the future. Who was at fault? Do I have any injuries? What type of damage did my vehicle sustain? What impact will the accident have on my finances now and down the road?

These are the types of questions that will run through your mind (and need answered at some point).

While there’s a lot to think about, don’t lose sight of the fact that you can only move through the process one step at a time.

Before we discuss the mistakes you don’t want to make after a car accident, make sure that your health and well-being is your top priority.

Forget about everything else as you check yourself for injuries and decide what to do next.

Here are a handful of mistakes to avoid after a crash:

  • Don’t feel compelled to move your vehicle, unless it’s required by law or necessary to enhance your safety
  • Don’t stand in or in close proximity to traffic, as you risk being part of another accident
  • Never leave the scene of an accident until you exchange information and/or police tell you that it’s okay to do so
  • Don’t throw away anything you could use as evidence in the future
  • Don’t engage in conversation with the other people involved in the accident, as you don’t want to say something that could work against you in the future
  • Don’t share too much information with your insurance company until you first learn more about your policy and coverage levels

When there’s no pressure, it’s easy to assume you’ll never make one of these mistakes. However, if you are part of an accident and there’s a lot happening, you may fall prey to one or more of these mistakes.

After you check yourself for injuries and receive medical attention, you can turn your focus to the cause of the accident and the next steps to take. By knowing and exercising your legal rights, you can protect yourself and the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.