Car accidents are unexpected and stressful events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disoriented.
In the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, it's crucial for accident victims to stay calm and composed to ensure safety and well-being. However, there are certain actions that can worsen the situation or complicate the process of resolving the incident.
Car accidents can happen without warning, leaving crash victims involved in stressful situations. For both of these reasons, our judgment may be off directly following the crash.
There are a few things that you should NOT do following a motor vehicle collision.
In this blog, we will discuss five things you should avoid doing after a car accident to protect yourself, others involved, and your chances of a smooth resolution.
Do NOT Do the Following 10 Things
1. Leave The Scene: One of the gravest mistakes you can make after a car accident is fleeing the scene, regardless of the severity of the collision. Leaving the scene of an accident is not only against the law but can also lead to serious consequences. Stay at the scene, check on the well-being of everyone involved, and call emergency services if necessary. Leaving could result in legal repercussions and negatively impact any insurance claims.
2. Forget to Call the Police: Even in minor accidents, involving law enforcement is essential. An accident report provides an official account of the incident, including details of the damages and injuries and statements from involved parties and witnesses. Avoid the temptation to skip involving the police, as a well-documented report can be crucial when dealing with insurance claims and legal proceedings.
3. Admit Fault: It's natural to feel a sense of guilt or responsibility after an accident, but admitting fault without a thorough investigation can be detrimental. Avoid apologizing or accepting blame at the scene, as this information can be used against you during the claims process. Instead, exchange information with the other parties involved and let the insurance companies determine fault based on the available evidence.
4. Forget to Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Unlike the other driver's insurance company, your own auto insurance company should be one of the first calls you make following an accident.
To obtain coverage, you must notify your insurance company of the accident and file an accident claim. Failure to report your accident in a timely manner may provide your insurance company legal grounds to refuse your claim, depending on the coverage terms outlined in your insurance policy.
Make sure that when speaking to an insurance agent, you do not suggest any level of fault. Be truthful about what happened, but keep the facts limited until you've spoken with a car accident attorney.
5. Neglect Medical Attention: Your health should be a top priority after a car accident. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may manifest later on. Avoid neglecting a medical evaluation, as a prompt exam can catch hidden injuries and contribute to a speedier recovery. Seeking medical help also provides a crucial link between the accident and any subsequent health issues, which can be crucial when filing a legal claim.
6. Forget to Document the Scene: Proper documentation of the accident scene is vital for insurance purposes and legal proceedings. Avoid the mistake of not taking photos or collecting information at the scene. Capture images of the vehicles involved, license plates, the surrounding area, and any relevant road signs or signals. Additionally, exchange contact information with other parties and gather statements from witnesses. This evidence can be invaluable when establishing the facts of the accident.
7. Forget To Gather Information: Following a car crash, it is crucial to exchange insurance and personal information of any other parties involved. Collect as much information as possible from other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Gather the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Cell Phone number
- Driver's License Number
- License Plate Numbers
- Insurance Card and Policy Numbers
Following a crash, many people become disoriented. This is normal. However, you'll need to share information with other drivers for two reasons. First, in order to contact your insurance adjuster to file a claim. The second is to seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance company.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, consider sharing information with them as well. If the at-fault driver or their insurance company is unwilling to cooperate, having someone else attest to your version of events may be beneficial.
In addition, your lawyer may contact them later to obtain a formal recorded statement to present to the insurance company as evidence for your claim.
8. Speak to the other Driver's Insurance Company: If possible, do not contact the other driver's insurance agent without first seeing a car accident lawyer. Not every insurance company that handles vehicle accident claims acts in good faith, and your best interests may not be their priority.
A vehicle accident lawyer can either assist you in writing a statement for the other driver's insurance company or talk with the insurance company on your behalf. Consulting with a lawyer is the best approach to safeguarding your rights and preventing having to contest a refused or discounted claim.
9. Leave the Scene without Taking Pictures: Begin gathering accident evidence after you've addressed immediate safety issues and shared information with the other motorist. This involves photographing the scene of the accident, the other driver's license plate, car damage, and any injuries.
Photos of the accident scene might be critical to your case, displaying details such as:
- Skid marks
- Whether you had your hazard lights on
- Positions of vehicles
- Road Conditions
While law enforcement will be obligated to gather evidence for a police report, having your own documentation might also be useful.
Take note of the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as any facts about its severity and how you believe it happened.
10. File a Lawsuit on Your Own: If you wish to file a lawsuit after being involved in an auto accident, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to file one without the help of a car accident attorney.
The legal process after an accident can be quite complicated to handle on your own. If you want to receive fair compensation for your losses, having a personal injury lawyer to provide you with expert legal advice is going to be in your best interest when dealing with the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster.
After a Car Accident, You Should Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
In the aftermath of a car accident, maintaining composure and making informed decisions is essential. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect your well-being, ensure a smoother claims process, and contribute to a fair resolution of the incident. Remember to prioritize safety, gather information, and seek professional advice before filing a personal injury lawsuit.
If you were involved in an auto accident that was not your fault and wish to file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries and damages, be sure to contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Car Accident Injury Attorney.
Our experienced car accident lawyers specialize in handling personal injury claims throughout the state of Georgia.
We provide a free case review to see how we can best assist with your accident settlement.
If you are looking for personal injury compensation after being involved in a car wreck that was not your fault, don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer near you.
