Anyone can get into an accident, though it’s not a pleasant experience. It leaves you shaken up, damages your car, and makes you feel like life has thrown the worst punch at you. The next few weeks can be difficult as you adjust to your daily routines. Luckily, you can get help with the help of an auto accident attorney near you.
But there are some mistakes you don’t want to make after the accident because they may lead to more pain and suffering for you, you’re family, and the other party. In this article, we’ll discuss some of those common missteps and how to avoid them.
- Leaving The Accident Scene
The first mistake to avoid after a car accident is leaving the scene of the crash. When you leave, you run into two major problems: You can’t protect your interests at an insurance company, and if you’re injured in the crash, you’ll not state what happened.
If you have to leave, tell the police where and when the accident occurred, so there are no gaps or discrepancies later on. States have laws about how soon you have to contact the police, and if you don’t do so within a specific period, your claim may be weakened.
- Not Calling 911
After the accident, ensure you call 911 right away. Don’t sympathize with the other party or downplay your injury. If you don’t involve the police, you may regret it when you file a personal injury claim.
The officers who arrive at the scene of an auto accident often ask for a statement from the driver of one or both vehicles. They may also want to talk with witnesses and take photographs at the scene before moving your car.
If there’s significant damage to either vehicle, the police will offer you a ride immediately after removing you from your vehicle so that another collision does not occur. They might suggest taking photos of each car’s external surfaces.
With all this evidence, it will be easier to win a case and get the compensation you deserve.
- Accepting Fault For The Crash
When an accident happens, it’s easy to feel like you should accept fault for what happened. It might be tempting to say that something just came out of nowhere and hit your car. You may even want to tell yourself that there was nothing you could do about it because they were driving recklessly.
However, accepting any blame can have disastrous consequences down the line when dealing with insurance companies and personal injury lawsuits. So, quickly think before doing anything rash or admitting guilt.
The best thing you can do is speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. These professionals will give you the best legal advice and help you understand what your next steps should be. They will also answer any questions you may have.
- Not Collecting Evidence
The trauma that comes with an accident may tempt you to leave the scene without collecting evidence. However, you’ll need those details when filing a claim.
If your injuries aren’t severe, get a picture of the scene, driver’s license, registration and insurance information. You can take pictures using your phone if you don’t have a camera. Remember to take note of any witnesses or people who helped at the accident scene.
Also, if possible, try talking with some employees from nearby establishments (such as gas stations) about what they may have seen. That will help you put together more pieces for an accurate report later down the line when you file your claim in person or over the phone.
The Bottom Line
You should avoid these mistakes if you get into a car accident. The more you avoid them, the better you’ll navigate through the whole process. And with that, you’ll move on from the accident.
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