Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
A car accident is a terrible experience that can happen to just about anyone. However, doing the wrong thing after a car accident can make a bad situation that much worse. If you make a mistake, it can hurt your injury claim or property damage claim. Knowing what to do after an accident is important. When you have this knowledge, it is critical in helping you deal with the aftermath of an accident effectively. Either way, knowing what you shouldn’t do and learning about the consequences of making certain mistakes can be even more important. In this blog post, I will discuss some of the most common mistakes that people make at the accident scene.
Leaving the Scene of the Accident: Most if not all states have laws that prohibit drivers from leaving the scene of the accident. If you fail to stop at an accident, you are breaking the law. The accident scene is now a crime scene. Remember, you may be charged with a felony depending on the laws of the state that you’re in when you get into the accident. It doesn’t matter if you are the at fault driver or not. Don’t leave the scene of an accident unless you need immediate medical attention and you’re injured. Also, make sure that you stop in a safe position at the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic or any further accidents.
Not Calling the Police: this is another mistake that is very common, and it can also make things much worse for you. Regardless of who is at fault, always remember to call the police after an accident. A police report is one of the most relied upon pieces of evidence that may be used in any court case relating to your accident. In some cases, drivers may be uncooperative and refuse to exchange information with you. The police will be very helpful with this because they can facilitate the exchange of information between you and the other driver. They can also help move your car off the road and prevent more accidents.
Failing to Exchange Information: getting the details and contact information for the other driver is very important. It is normal to get a little confused after a car accident due to the shock. Many people are usually disoriented. In any case, don’t miss out on the opportunity to exchange details with the other driver involved. Failing to exchange information may make your compensation process very complicated. Some drivers may even take a vantage of your mistake and manipulate the situation to your disadvantage.
Underestimating Injuries: after an accident our body reacts by producing adrenaline. This may dampen the sensation of injury until your adrenaline levels go down. Many accidents, this has led people to underestimate how bad their injuries really are. In some cases, this may lead to fatalities because serious injuries have been mistaken for minor ones. It is important to always get medical attention after an accident, don’t make this mistake.
Admitting Liability or Fault: don’t admit liability, plain and simple. Oftentimes, people admit liability without realizing what they’re doing. When you don’t know what to answer, it’s well within your right to remain completely silent.
Failing to Collect Enough Evidence: try to gather as much information about the car accident as possible. One of the most reliable ways of gathering evidence is to use a camera to take photos of the accident. If you fail to collect sufficient evidence after an accident, it can leave a significant gap in information and details that are needed to create your account of what happened at the accident.
Not Communicating with Your Own Insurance Company: while you have no obligation to speak to the other driver’s insurance company, you are required to speak to your own insurance company about the accident. You must provide accurate information about the accident to the best of your ability. Remember, you must communicate with your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident.
Let us use our expertise and experience to get you the maximum compensation for your car accident injury. Our law firm focuses on helping clients recover damages either through a negotiated settlement or filing a personal injury lawsuit in court. We use all our considerable resources, talent, and skills to achieve the goal of maximum compensation for our clients. If you’ve been injured in an accident, it is important to work with attorneys who can deliver results, protect your rights, and win the compensation you deserve. We Whether the injury you sustained in your car accident is minor, major, or catastrophic, we will give your case the undivided attention and focus it deserves. The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero represents consumers in various types of car accident claims. Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
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