A car accident disorients and upsets everyone involved. You’ll be confused, shaken, and even angry. Knowing what not to do after an accident ensures that you and everyone else are safe and that your legal rights are met. Here are six things not to do after a car accident.
Don`t Drive Away
Even when you’re 100% sure who’s at fault, you should never leave the scene of the accident. The only exception could be if you believe you are the target of a road rage incident. In this case, don’t stop; drive to a safe place and call the police.
When there’s little harm to your car or the other party, you should stop your vehicle, assess the situation and take photos. Your insurance company will investigate the accident to determine who is responsible and whether your vehicle is repairable or not.
Call the police and your insurer right away if it’s a hit-and-run accident. You should discuss your legal options with a local car accident attorney.
Don`t Forget To Collect Information
Information collected at the accident scene is critical. It determines who is at fault and the compensation amount you may be eligible for. Write down the names, addresses, insurance information and phone numbers of everyone involved.
You’ll need this information when you get a claim settlement check or if you need to file a car accident claim with either your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company. Also, remember to take photos, write down as much information as possible, and talk to any witnesses.
Don`t Neglect To Call the Police
Even in incidents with little damage, it`s still a good idea to call the police to file a report. If there are injuries, dial 911 immediately. Police reports help determine how much damage occurred and who was at fault. This information is valuable when calculating claim settlement amounts or court damages if your case ends up going to trial. Don`t leave the scene of an accident without letting the police know what happened.
Don`t Admit Fault
An accident leaves you shaken and confused. You might not even know what happened at first. Admitting fault quickly without analyzing the accident can lead to mistakes and issues with your claim down the line. Let the law enforcers determine who was at fault.
Don`t Underestimate Your Injuries
It’s common for accident victims to underestimate their injuries. You might not feel pain right away or even in the days after the accident took place. Not feeling any pain doesn’t mean that you’re OK.
You might have whiplash or other internal injuries that aren’t painful or noticeable at first. Have a medical exam, take it slow for a few days, and never ignore any pain or symptoms you experience after the accident.
Don`t Wait To Take Legal Action
Starting the legal process when the day’s events are still fresh in your mind is vital. Don’t wait until you’re more composed to talk to a car accident attorney. Your lawyer will help determine who’s at fault and what the appropriate legal action will be in your case.
The sooner you start the process, the faster you get the compensation you deserve. Have all the evidence ready, including information you collected at the accident scene, as well as any medical records and police reports. Present these to your car accident lawyer as soon as requested. Doing so speeds up the process even more.
An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Will Ensure You Get Fair Compensation
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney ensures you’ll get fair compensation for your auto accident claim. Your lawyer will know what to do, who to talk to, and where to go to receive the best settlement offer possible.
Ensure the attorney has experience with vehicle accidents and knows how insurance companies work. You’ll have a less stressful experience by letting an experienced lawyer handle the legal process.
