Car accidents are stressful on their own, but navigating the legal process afterwards can be just as bad. Hiring an attorney is a smart way to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. A qualified car accident attorney can help you speak to your insurance company. Here are five ways you can help your attorney assist you after a car accident:

1. Call the police.

It's tempting to deal with a car accident yourself rather than calling the police, especially when the incident was a minor one. However, it's important to always call the police after a car accident. Use the non-emergency phone number unless someone is injured. The main benefit of calling the police is having documentation of the accident, which your lawyer may need, according to NOLO. A police officer will take statements from all involved parties and write down relevant details in a police report. 

2. Let your attorney handle your insurance company.

When possible, don't speak with your insurance company directly. It's better to have your attorney call the insurance company to report the accident. Your insurance company may try to get you to admit fault in order to reduce the amount of money they need to pay following your accident. Your lawyer is a trained professional who will represent your interests with all his or her expertise.

3. Give your lawyer all the relevant information.

Remember that your lawyer needs all the information to do his or her job well. Make sure to give him or her any details regarding the accident. Also give your lawyer any relevant documents, including police reports, traffic tickets, insurance cards, and the information of the other driver involved in the collision. You'll save everyone time if you have all the documents available up front.

4. Don't accept a settlement before talking to your lawyer.

If your insurance company or the other driver offers you money, don't take it without first consulting your attorney. You want to get the full amount that you're entitled to, and third parties might try to give you a smaller sum. A lawyer will be able to consult you from their years of experience, ensuring you get the best deal possible. 

5. Remember to have realistic expectations.

After a car accident, an attorney's job is to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Remember to be reasonable. You're not likely to get rich from a settlement following a collision, but you can have your medical bills and the cost of repairs covered.

A good lawyer can make it much easier to get a fair outcome after a car accident. This simple guide will help you start preparing your legal defense in conjunction with an attorney.