Until you've been in a car accident yourself, you have no idea how deafening the crunch is. The squeal of tyres followed by a gut-wrenching clash of metals is terrifying. If you recognise the sound, you've probably got your own war story to tell. Being involved in a car crash is a horrifying experience, and one you won't forget quickly. Whether you wrapped your car around a pole or had a close encounter with a truck, it's a nightmare.

If you haven't experienced a car crash, unfortunately, statistics suggest you're likely to in the future. If the worst happens, it's important that you know how to respond to the situation. Without further ado, here's what to do if you find your car in trouble.

Make sure you and your passengers are okay

The first, and most important thing to do is make sure everyone's okay. Check yourself for any immediate cuts and skin wounds. It won't immediately be obvious as your body will likely go into shock. You won't initially feel any pain, so it's easy to think everything's fine! When you're sure you're okay, check your passengers for blood and ask them if they feel fine. Making sure no one is badly injured is your utmost concern.

Get out of the way and make yourself visible

If possible, it's time to move your car to the side of the road. If it's still driveable, pull into the hard shoulder and clear any large bits of debris. If there was a truck involved, this may be much more difficult. If that's the case, it's best to wait until the authorities arrive. If you have visibility jackets or cones in the boot of the car, make sure you use them. Make yourself as visible as possible to oncoming traffic. You may also want to get in touch with a truck accident lawyer so that you're aware of the laws regarding what you could do in the event of a truck collision.

Call the authorities

Your first call should be to emergency services. They'll scramble the necessary help and ensure they're on the scene quickly. In most cases, the police will be the first to arrive and begin to create a diversion. If there are any injuries or casualties, make sure they are immediately seen to by the ambulance. Make yourself known to the police officer in charge and explain the situation thoroughly.

Note details from the scene

You'll probably still be in shock at this point. Adrenaline will be pumping and you might not be thinking straight. However, it's really important that you take a second to note down the details of the scene. Get the name and driving information of the other driver and passengers. Take the name and precinct of the police officers. Make a note of any adverse weather conditions, time of day and any extra information. If possible, take pictures of the immediate damage and sketch the accident while it's fresh in your mind.

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Speak to a lawyer

Once the dust has settled and you've had time to reflect, speak to an expert trucking accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation due to poor truck driving or distraction. Only an attorney can help guide you through this process and get the money you deserve. Being involved in a car crash is a harrowing experience. Try to remain calm, and follow the advice here.

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