When you get in a car accident, there's a lot to do. But if you don't take care of the right things first, it could cost you - and not just monetarily. You may be dealing with injuries that continue to affect your life for months or even years after the crash. So here are seven things that you need to do immediately following an auto collision.

1. Make Sure Everyone is Okay

Prioritize the health and safety of yourself, your passengers, the other driver(s), and any third parties involved. Check everyone for injuries, and call 911, if there are serious injuries or anyone is unresponsive.

2. Document Everything

Take photos of everything - people involved, injuries, property damage, etc. Photos of the accident scene from different angles, damage to the vehicles, skid marks leading up to the impact location, injuries sustained, etc. Keep in mind that there's a difference between cell phone photos and any professional documentation you have taken.

3. Gather Information

Get the name of the other driver(s), their insurance information, vehicle registrations, phone numbers, emails, etc. If you have a camera or cell phone on your person at the time of the crash - use it to take all of this info down. Make sure everyone involved is okay with giving out their personal information before you put it to use.

4. File a Police Report

If you have time, file a police report. Many people tell us they didn't think about doing this until later on - which is too bad because if reports aren't filed immediately, there's no way to know what really happened. If the police arrive at the scene of your accident, have them file a report, since most of them will do this for free, and some may even do it on-site.

5. Talk to a Lawyer

If you have been in a car wreck, you need to hire a car accident lawyer. Personal injury lawyers can help negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They're experts at dealing with the legal red tape and know how much your injuries are worth, so they won't settle for anything less than what's fair.

6. File a Claim

After you've finished all of the above, it's a good idea to file a claim. Then follow your insurance provider's instructions for getting payment for any damage that your vehicle sustained in the crash. There should be no problem here as long as you are following their rules and staying within policy limits. It will take some time to get things straightened out, but in most auto accidents, this is the final step in the process.

7. Allow Yourself Time to Heal

Lastly, take care of your health following a car crash. You may feel fine immediately following an accident, but pain and discomfort can come on later. Ensure that you follow doctor's orders, take all of the medication they prescribe, attend physical therapy if necessary, and stay away from any activities that might cause further injury.

According to injuredcalltoday.com, motor vehicle accidents were the most frequent source of injury, accounting for over half (52%) of all personal injury claims. They may be caused by anything from a car accident to being run over by a motorbike. If you have been the victim of a car accident, it's important to understand your rights and know what steps you should take immediately after an accident.