No one wants to get in an auto accident, but if you do it’s important to know how to handle the aftermath. Auto accidents can be intense and life-altering events. The most important factor to consider in the wake of an auto accident is your own health.

Make sure you get checked out by a credible doctor as soon as possible. Take care of yourself first and foremost—yes, even before you worry about things like hiring an attorney or dealing with the insurance company. Oftentimes, following an accident, people might not feel like they have any immediate injuries, and it could be days or weeks before they start developing back, neck, or other pains.

It can be easy to forget about yourself amongst all the stress and various factors you have to deal with following an auto accident, but your health and wellbeing is the most important thing.

Once you’ve got yourself taken care of, you’ll want to think about hiring an attorney. Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with when seeking compensation for an accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can build your case and collect evidence, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. They can help you get the compensation you deserve so you can get back to your life as quickly and painlessly as possible.