One key way to use your smartphone after a car crash

You never want to use your smartphone while driving your car, but you can use it in the wake of an accident. With its built-in camera, it is an excellent way to document the scene.

Of course, the first step after any crash is to get medical help for those who need it. Call the authorities. Check on yourself and your passengers. Check on people in the other car, even when they caused the crash. Make sure that everyone has medical help as soon as possible to reduce the severity of the injuries and the odds of a fatality.

After that, though, your smartphone could become your number one tool to protect yourself and your rights. Take pictures of:

• The scene in general, showing where and when the accident happened
• The damage to your car and the other vehicle(s)
• Any injuries you have that you can document
• Any potential accident causes, such as a malfunctioning streetlight
• Other related factors, like the position of stop signs and other vehicles
• The other car’s license plate
• The other driver’s license

In a few minutes, you can get everything that you need to support your side of the story. Remember, when the police show up to make their report, you and the other driver may disagree. Having photos that back up what you’re saying is an excellent way to show that the other driver is perhaps altering details or making them up entirely.

If you suffered injuries in the accident, these photos may also help you prove that the other driver caused the crash and that you deserve compensation for medical bills and other costs.