When traveling, whether to the store or on vacation, there is always the propensity to have an accident. Sometimes the weather is bad. Sometimes, the driver is too distracted and others can be because of vehicle malfunctions.

Whatever the reason, it is a fact of life. Unfortunately, we all endure it or know someone who has. With that in mind, there are a few things you should do immediately after a wreck. Below are three of them.

Do Not Leave the Scene

Consider this. You and your family are on your way to Disney World in Orlando, Fl. You left from Nashville, TN and have been driving all night. You remember thinking if you could just close your eyes for just a few minutes, you could probably drive the rest of the way without having to stay at a motel.

All of a sudden, you are driving on the median. You over correct and now you are on the other side of the road. In the end, you end up hitting a tree head on and bouncing off of a few others. As the car comes to a stop, the last thing you want to leave the scene.

Not only is it illegal, it will negate any possibility of a proper insurance claim and could leave you or members of your family in grave physical danger.

Check on All Drivers and Passengers

While you are there regaining your senses, check each person in the car for injuries. If there are any cuts that require immediate attention, tend to them first. To stop the bleeding, find the cleanest cloth you can and use it to apply and keep the pressure on the wound.

Try not to move anyone involved in the accident as there may be spinal injuries that could result in you or a member of your family being paralyzed. The only reason for moving anyone at all would be for the purpose of evading a vehicle that is leaking gas or is on fire.

In that case, you would have a choice between a bad fate and a possibly worse fate. The goal is to keep everyone alive and in the best possible condition.

Call the Police

After you have come to a complete stop and attended to everyone’s physical needs to the best of your ability, you need to call the police. If you are unable to make the call, have someone call the police for you.

The police will come and make sure you are out of the way of traffic, call the ambulance, and anything else they can do to ensure your needs are met. Never try to accomplish these tasks on your own. The authorities are trained to handle any situation that may arise. Allow them to do their job and keep you safe.

Car accidents are no fun any way you slice them. Make sure to follow these three steps as soon as your vehicle stops and everyone involved will stand a better chance of coming out safe and sound.