Call the police. Even if the accident is minor, the injuries from it might not be apparent right away. You must notify the police in order to be eligible to claim benefits or compensation from an insurance company. If possible, take digital pictures (you can use your cell phone) of damages to your car and body. Always get a copy of the police or collision report.

Record the contact information of any people who were witnesses to the accident and become in any way related to your accident (e.g., doctors, collision center employees, firefighters, police officers, etc.).

Get in touch with a lawyer immediately and then your family doctor. You have 30 days after receiving an insurance claim package to send the necessary forms to the insurance company. Your lawyer and medical specialists must work together in order to help you fill out all the necessary forms correctly and prevent the insurance company from denying your claim.

Notify your own insurance company about the accident not later than 7 days after the accident in order to become eligible for any benefits.

Find out whether you have other health insurance coverage, such as benefits from employment, university, your spouse, etc. These benefits will need to be exhausted before motor vehicle insurance benefits can be used.

Attend the necessary assessments and rehabilitation treatments suggested by your medical specialists and lawyer. This is essential to improve your health and gather evidence to obtain a larger settlement.

Save and organize a copy of every document and item relevant to your accident or insurance claim, such as a police report, your insurance policy, letters from the insurance company, medical prescriptions, medicine bottles, income tax forms, receipts for all relevant expenses(e.g., medical treatments, parking), etc.

Record all ongoing changes in your health after the accident and how they affect your regular daily activities (e.g., working, housekeeping, child caring, sleeping, climbing the stairs, etc.).

Act fast. There are many deadlines involved in the insurance claim process. Make sure that you know the major deadlines, such as submitting a claim against the driver who caused the accident within 2 years after the accident.

Make sure that there is no information about the accident or your health on online social networks (e.g., Facebook, Twitter). Insurance companies have the right to access your online social networks and draw conclusions, which may make them unwilling to settle your case early and for a large sum.