A car accident can be a traumatic and confusing experience. You may feel overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain about what to do next. Knowing the right steps to take to protect your rights and best interests after a car accident is important. Here are the top five mistakes you should avoid making after an auto accident.
Not Calling the Police
It is crucial that you call 911 immediately following your car accident. Not only will this help ensure that everyone involved gets the medical attention they need, but it will also provide valuable information for any insurance claims or legal proceedings that could arise from the incident. When the police arrive on the scene, they will assess who was at fault for the crash and create an official record of the event that can be used in court if necessary.
Failing to Document Evidence
If possible, take pictures of the scene before leaving. This can include shots of vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, or other clues that might indicate how the accident occurred or who was at fault. Additionally, try to get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened—their testimony could be extremely helpful if you end up going through with a personal injury case down the line.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel like you have any injuries, it’s still important to see a doctor after a car accident. Some injuries can take hours or even days to become apparent, so it’s better to get checked out just in case something serious was overlooked in all the chaos of an auto collision. Plus, evidence of medical care related directly to your car accident can bolster your case against any potential litigation that may arise from it later.
Saying Too Much at an Accident Scene
You should never admit fault when talking about an auto collision with either other drivers involved or their insurance companies—even if you think you were partially responsible for what happened. Anything you say at an accident scene could potentially come back later to hurt your chances in court, so always err on the side of caution when discussing what happened with anyone else present or involved in any way with your crash.
Avoiding Legal Assistance
If there are multiple people injured in your crash (including yourself) or extensive property damage has been done by one party or another, it is likely wise for those affected by this incident to seek legal counsel from someone experienced in auto accidents and personal injury law. An auto accident attorney will help ensure that all parties receive appropriate compensation based on their individual circumstances and provide valuable insight into navigating any complex legal issues related to this kind of situation.
Taking prompt action after being involved in a car accident is key for protecting yourself legally and financially moving forward—not only for yourself but also for anyone else who may have been injured as part of this incident too. Knowing which mistakes to avoid after a car accident is essential knowledge for every driver; hopefully, these tips have helped shed some light on what not to do when faced with such a stressful situation. If ever unsure about how best to handle things following an auto collision, it’s always best practice to consult qualified legal advice before making any decisions about how to proceed with filing insurance claims or pursuing further action against those responsible for causing your crash.
Author information: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter: @RachelleWilber
