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7 Things You Should Never Do After an Auto Accident

7 Things You Should Never Do After an Auto Accident

Any car accident — from a small fender-bender to a multi-car pileup — is a frightening and traumatic experience. You may be shocked, in pain, disoriented, even angry at yourself or the person who hit you. But it’s important to gather your wits as best you can and avoid certain statements and behaviors. Your actions after the accident may be a factor in determining who is at fault and the outcome of a claim.

1.)                    Don’t Apologize

We are taught from a young age to be gracious and apologize, sometimes even if we’re not at fault. If you are involved in a car accident, it’s critical that you suppress this instinct and not say “I’m sorry.” That’s true even if you believe you are responsible — for example if you rear-end another car. The truth is that you don’t know all of the facts; and if you apologize or otherwise admit responsibility, it could be used against you.

2.)                    Don’t Lose Your Temper

If you’ve just been in a car accident, it’s likely that your adrenaline is flowing and your emotions are on edge. You may be in pain. If you believe another driver is at fault, it’s easy to become angry, but blowing up is not the answer. Do your best to remain cool and calm. Check on the well-being of your passengers and the occupants of the other car(s). It’s important to remain level-headed so you can properly assess and handle the situation.

3.)                    Don’t Leave the Scene

Never drive away without notifying police or before they give you the go-ahead to do so. Some people may think that if it’s a minor accident with minimal damage and no apparent injuries, it’s okay to not call the authorities. It’s not, and may even land you in legal trouble.

4.)                    Don’t Forgo Medical Treatment

There are all sorts of reasons people like to avoid doctors: fear, expense, lack of insurance. But if you’ve been in an accident and didn’t require an ambulance, you should still visit an ER or your primary care physician so any injuries are noted in your medical record. And keep in mind that many injuries don’t appear right away.

5.)                    Don’t Forget to Document

As you’re waiting for authorities to arrive, don’t just stand there. Exchange insurance information with the other drivers and write down license plate numbers. Take stock of where you are and how you think the crash occurred so you can give an accurate account of events to police. Grab your cell phone and start taking pictures of the scene and damage to the involved vehicles.

6.)                    Don’t Get Rid of Potential Evidence

Keep everything that could be useful in an investigation or for repairing car damage down the road. This may include torn/bloody clothing or personal items and car parts that are defective or that came off during the accident.

7.)                    Don’t Make a Statement to an Insurer

Once you talk to your or the other driver’s insurance company, you can’t take it back. So resist pressure from an insurer to make a statement right away. Before you take this step, you must speak with an experienced car accident lawyer like The Evans Law Firm. Insurance companies want to avoid paying out money, period. A good attorney is there to protect you and your rights. They will help you review and understand your insurance policy and ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation. In some instances, you may even have cause to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. A lawyer will help you determine whether you have a case and advise you on how to proceed.

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