ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 3, 2014 -- Anyone who's ever been involved in a car accident knows how stressful and disorienting it can be, and simple mistakes can add insult to injury by costing you thousands of dollars in medical and repair bills. Here are 4 steps you can take to ensure you aren't taken advantage of in an auto accident.

Stay Calm: In the seconds after an accident, take a moment to keep control over yourself. Do your best to stay calm in the wake of an accident. The last thing you want to do is condemn yourself by admitting guilt (even saying "I'm sorry" is an admission of guilt), and don't get into a fight with the other people in the accident. Before getting out the car, check yourself and any passengers for injuries, then when it's safe to exit your vehicle, ask any other drivers involved in the accident if they are alright. IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE HAS SIGNS OF A SERIOUS INJURY, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY AND FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS.