If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know it can be very scary! When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, you may be giving up rights you didn’t know you had. Here are 8 things to do immediately after a car accident.

Emergency medical treatment: If you have not been to the doctor, you should do so immediately if you have pain or physical difficulties. Be sure to give your auto insurance card to the doctor, hospital or medical facility so they can properly bill your Personal Injury Protection Benefits (“PIP”) policy.

Photographs: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and car property damage. Save or develop those images immediately. This is especially important in accidents where there may be a problem.

Witnesses: Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses to the car accident. This cannot be stressed enough! Also, you should not discuss the facts of the accident with the witness other than to obtain their contact information. You don’t want to seem like you have undue influence on their version of what they saw.

Doctor’s note: If working causes you difficulty, substantial discomfort, or pain, you should ask your treating physician about the temporary work restriction. If your doctor has told you that the decision to work is up to you, then you should not be working if working causes you considerable pain or discomfort.

Declarations to insurance companies: Do not discuss the case with anyone and do not comment until you have first spoken to an attorney. You should be aware that you may need to provide a statement to your own insurance company as provided in your policy, so don’t wait to call an attorney licensed in your state. If you have been contacted by an insurance company, it is extremely important that you obtain the name, postal address, telephone and fax numbers of the adjuster handling your claim. Then inform the adjuster that you will consult an attorney and that that attorney will contact the adjuster.

Damage assessment: If your car was damaged in the accident, have it evaluated by a reputable auto body shop as soon as possible after the photos of the damage have been taken.

Documents: Collect all documents related to your case, such as medical bills, doctor’s instructions, prescriptions, receipts, and accident reports.

Main duty: Your main duty is to get comfortable and recover from your injuries. Let your attorney worry about the legal details of your case. Your physical recovery is the most important.