Your mind will race after a car accident, as you attempt to care for your injuries, exchange information, and avoid additional trouble. While there’s a lot on your plate, it’s important to remain calm as to take all the right steps.
There are several common mistakes people often make after car accidents, including these five:
- Neglecting to take photos: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle and any injuries. This may not be the first thing on your mind if you’re injured, but it’s an important step to take if you’re able to do so.
- Forgetting to call the police: There’s so much going on that you begin to think you can do everything on your own. This is a mistake, as you want police to arrive so they can take control of the scene and file a report.
- Relying on the police report: It’s important for the responding officer to file a report, but you shouldn’t rely solely on the information contained within it. You should also collect information on your own, such as the other driver’s insurance details and license plate number. It’s also a good idea to gather the contact details of any witnesses.
- Turning down medical help: Even if you’re feeling okay, don’t turn down medical help. In addition to treatment at the scene, an ambulance can transport you to a local hospital for a professional evaluation. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.
- Admitting any sort of fault: There’s never a good time to say “it was my fault” or anything along those lines. Anything you say to the other party or police can impact your ability to receive compensation in the future. Keep quiet and stick to nothing more than exchanging information.
It’s easy to assume you’ll avoid these mistakes after a car accident, but when you’re in the middle of all the action you never know what will happen.
The best thing you can do is focus the majority of your attention on receiving treatment. Once you understand your injuries, contact your insurance company and learn more about your legal rights. Doing these things will help you determine how to best seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.