If you're involved in a crash, what is the first thing you should do?

When you are involved in a crash, the first thing you should do is to check for injuries, exchange information, and report it to the police. This approach prioritizes safety and accountability.

Checking for injuries allows you to assess the well-being of everyone involved, which is the most critical factor. If anyone is injured, you should call 911 or have someone else do so immediately. This ensures that medical assistance can be provided as quickly as possible.

Exchanging information is essential for the claims process that follows a collision. It's necessary to collect details such as names, contact information, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers. This information is vital for both insurance purposes and any potential legal situations that might arise.

Reporting the incident to the police is also important because it creates an official record of the event. Police can help mediate disputes about what happened, document facts, and provide a report that assists with insurance claims.

Engaging in other actions, such as leaving the scene or sharing details on social media, can complicate the situation or even escalate legal issues, so those actions are not appropriate as initial steps.