The unfortunate reality of car accidents is that they can happen anywhere at any time. Even if you drive cautiously and take all the safety measures, accidents are unpredictable and can’t always be prevented.
When you find yourself in a car accident, it is important to stay calm and remember to avoid these common mistakes.
Leaving the scene of the accident without exchanging contact information.
A crucial step after being in a car accident is exchanging contact information with all the parties involved. Make sure to exchange contact information including names, phone numbers, auto insurance provider information, and car license plate numbers. Leaving the scene of the accident without the contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the collision is a mistake that can make it difficult to file an insurance claim or seek financial compensation for damages or injuries. Also, failing to exchange contact information after a car accident can be considered a hit-and-run and can result in serious legal consequences or fines for abandoning your responsibilities as a driver involved in an accident.
Failing to call the police to the scene of the accident.
No matter how big or small the car crash was, it is always important to call the police to report the accident. Calling the police to the scene of the accident can help by filing an official police report which will provide useful information for your insurance provider and your car accident attorney if you are filing a legal claim. Having police at the scene of the accident can also help ensure all parties involved in the accident are able to safely move over and out of the way of moving traffic.
Admitting fault or apologizing to the other driver.
Apologizing after a car accident is a critical mistake to avoid. It is important to be careful about what you say to the other parties involved because any statements you make at the scene of the accident can be used against you in legal proceedings or by the insurance companies. By admitting fault or apologizing after a car crash, you can be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the accident. Even if you believe you are at fault for the collision, it is safest to not make any statements admitting fault until all the facts of the accident have been fully investigated.
Forgetting to document the scene of the accident.
Documenting the scene of your car crash is an important step to take after an accident and can be helpful later on when filing legal claims. The experienced Birmingham car accident lawyers at Drake Injury Lawyers recommend thoroughly documenting the entire scene of the car accident. Having photo evidence showing the details of the accident can be extremely beneficial when filing your personal injury claim and auto insurance claim. Remembering to take photos of all vehicles involved, the damages, positioning of the vehicles, and the location of the collision can be useful evidence to have when seeking legal action.
Delaying seeking medical attention.
Waiting too long to seek professional medical attention after an accident can result in leaving serious injuries untreated, especially those that are not immediately apparent or visible. While you may think you haven’t sustained any injuries, common car accident injuries such as concussions or whiplash do not always show symptoms immediately. These types of brain and spinal cord injuries should be treated promptly and can cause long-term consequences if not addressed by a medical professional after a car accident. It is important to remember that seeking medical attention soon after a car accident can also help you document the extent of your injuries for insurance and legal purposes. Having these medical records documented can be useful for your legal team if you are seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
Article submitted by Drake Injury Lawyers.
All rights reserved, Gumptown Magazine, LLC. Copyright 2023.
