7 Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Crash
You may have seen car accident reports on TV and how it’s a widespread occurrence around the world. These reports often remind people what to do in case they’re involved in a car accident. In fact, as per this site, https://realjustice.com/fort-lauderdale-personal-injury/car-accident/texting-and-driving/, there are many times that an accident is a result of texting and driving.
This is why it’s important to know what to do after an accident. This is not only to ensure your safety and minimize injuries but also to secure and strengthen your injury claim later on. Anything you do after a car accident can make or break your claim and compensation.
For these reasons, listed below are seven mistakes you must avoid after a car crash.
1. Leaving The Scene Of The Accident
Understandably, the accident scene can be too stressful and traumatic for you. Perhaps, your first instinct is to save yourself and flee from the scene. Unfortunately, leaving the scene of the accident is considered illegal, especially if someone has been injured or someone’s property has been severely damaged. This will only make it more difficult for you and your lawyer to file a stronger injury claim later on.
Moreover, car accidents often happen in the middle of the road, so it’s your responsibility to move your car aside to make way for the rest of the drivers. Otherwise, if you choose to leave everything behind, not only are you committing illegal acts but also leaving a nuisance on the road. Failure to comply with this rule can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction.
2. Not Calling The Police Department
Some of you may think that exchanging information with the other driver or party is enough, and then you can simply go separate ways. But whether you’re injured or not, it’s a vital step to call the police right away after the accident. The presence of the police is crucial, so they can create a police report that you can use for filing your claim and compensation, or when needed by the court.
3. Not Calling For Medical Assistance
One of the critical mistakes you must avoid is not calling medical help. Even when you’ve only sustained a bruise or a scratch, you might not be aware of your other incurred fatal internal injuries and bleeding. These are often dangerous and deadly when not treated on time. Thus, seeking immediate medical help will ensure that your injuries, both internal and external, are detected and treated right away. Additionally, seeing a doctor will also help you secure medical records, which is vital evidence for your legal claim in the future.
4. Admitting Your Mistakes
Even if you feel you’re at fault, never utter statements that imply you’re at fault. Some people tend to say ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘I didn’t mean to,’ ‘I didn’t see you,’ or ‘I took a wrong turn’ when they’re rattled. Unfortunately, these statements can severely jeopardize your chances of seeking compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve incurred during the accident. That’s why you must never admit any fault in a car accident, despite assuming that you’re entirely or partly responsible for it. Let the judge decide who’s at fault.
5. Posting On Social Media
Nowadays, many of you are fond of sharing every little detail of your life on social media. You may be tempted to share your side of the accident or post pictures on your accounts. Unfortunately, doing so can hurt your case and claim. You’ll only risk leaking valuable and confidential information to the other party’s insurance adjuster or defense attorney, and they may use it against you. As much as you want to share that traumatic experience as a way of destressing yourself, your best bet is to talk about it with your personal injury lawyer only.
6. Talking To An Insurance Adjuster Without A Lawyer
As sorry and sympathetic they may sound, the insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their main goal is to save money by offering you settlements lower than you deserve. Some insurance adjusters will try taking the opportunity to talk to car victims while they’re still confused and unable to think clearly. As much as possible, avoid making settlements and agreements with any insurance company before consulting your lawyer.
7. Stretching The Truth
Don’t try to stretch, add, remove, or exaggerate your details about the accident, even the minor ones. If the other party detects inconsistencies and false accusations in your statements, it can quickly jeopardize your case. In case there are minor details you don’t remember, tell your lawyer right away.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be disorienting and overwhelming. The influx of stressful events after a car crash may cause you to make hasty decisions without consulting your lawyer. Know that this could severely impact your case and injury claims later on. Thus, before divulging or sharing any information, you must first hire a personal lawyer to help you get through the entire legal process smoothly and hassle-free.
