Car accidents can shake the guts out of you. They can get quite tricky at times. Here you are, trying to regain your composure after the shock and the additional load of handling post-accident crisis is driving you nuts, on the other side. Traffic collisions, where one of the occupants of the car has been injured, can be a traumatic experience. If you do not handle it properly, then you are in for some rude shocks. When you are involved in an accident, you must follow a few basic steps. The steps are listed below.

1. At the scene of the accident, you need to keep your cool and ensure that your senses are intact. Do not get hysterical to compound the issue further. Do not lose your wits and at no cost, should you leave the scene of the accident. There are laws of the state that govern accidents and these laws vary from state to state. Any judgmental error can land you in jail. You could be behind bars for hit-and-run. Remain calm and try to get over the shock of the accident first. Check if there are any injured. If somebody is seriously injured, call 911 instantly.

2. Ensure other cars passing by know that an accident has taken place. Try and move your car to the side of the road. Do not leave it right in the center of the road. It could create a traffic jam and cause trouble for others. If the crash is minor, it is always better to park by the side of the road and examine the intensity of the accident. There is little you can do, however, if the accident is major. Try to put up warning signs in order to alert oncoming traffic. You would not want them to rush in and meet the same fate. Turn on your emergency flashers or place any reflective triangles, emergency flares, or anything else that you carry in your car, to alert other cars.

3. The most crucial thing in an accident is exchanging information. When you fail to collect the necessary information, you could have trouble later on. Collect and exchange information such as:

- Driver's license numbers

- Insurance information including phone number

- Names, addresses, and phone numbers

- License plate numbers and year, make, and model of the cars involved.

It is natural for you to lose your cool after an accident. However, it is always better to keep your emotions under check. Do not get into any heated arguments with the other driver. The situation, as such, is quite stressful and an argument will only make it worse. It is, however, not advisable to yield to the other driver. Do not admit that you have made a mistake because your statement could be held against you. Do not let the other driver know that you are feeling terrible or quite upset with the damage to your vehicle. Just complete the formalities and get it done with.

4. Note everything down. Begin with how the accident took place, what happened during the accident, what speed you were driving, weather conditions, and all other important information about the crash. Anything pertinent is always useful in the future. If you have a camera with you, take a few pictures of the car damage, the accident site, and anything that you find useful. It is good to be prepared for an accident. Carry a pen or a pencil and a camera in the car always. Don't forget to note down names and phone numbers of the occupants of the cars and other people who have witnessed the crash.

5. Do not get grumpy with police and emergency personnel. Co-operate with them. They are there to help you. Note the names and badge numbers of the police and emergency personnel, who are present on the site. You might need them later. It is advisable to get breathalyzer and other related tests for drug or alcohol intake done. Get a copy of the accident report from the police.

6. If you are looking for a speedy resolution by offering or accepting money to the other involved party, it is a bad idea. Money exchanged in the accident site can affect the legal status of the accident, and you could face charges when you go to court. Moreover, it is not good to trust a stranger, who can be quite capable of reporting you to his/her insurance company, when the fault is yours. Be cautious to avoid legal hassles.

7. Get in touch with your insurance company. Call them up and get relevant information on how to go about filing your claim.

8. It is a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney when you think the situation demands one. Get references and hire the right person. You can ask your friends and then interview a few before picking the right attorney.