8 Grave Mistakes You Should Avoid After a Car Accident
The events after a car crash are usually muddled up due to the high adrenaline and the confusion you experience. You are also likely to make grave mistakes because you act purely out of instinct. We understand you might have difficulty remembering the right thing to do amid all the commotion. However, one measly mistake could cost you and those involved. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid after a car accident:
Admitting fault
The easiest mistake you could make after an accident is admitting fault. Suppose you rush to apologize for your actions, and further investigation reveals the other driver was at fault. Your confession might hinder you from receiving the compensation you deserve and complicate your case. The other driver and the police might also use your confession against you if things progress to court.
Ignoring your injuries
You might be tempted to downplay your injuries and convince yourself you are okay. During the accident, your body produces lots of adrenalin due to the high stress levels, keeping you in fight-or-flight mode. These high levels of adrenalin numb the body, preventing you from recognizing any injuries you sustained during the crash. However, when the adrenaline wears off, you might start to realize you got really hurt.
Neglecting medical attention
Another grave mistake you shouldn’t make after an accident would be to say you are okay and refuse to go to the hospital. Even if you think your injuries are dismal, it won’t hurt to go for a checkup to ascertain you are in good shape. If you wait too long to seek medical attention and you discover you got injured, it might be too late to file a claim. The other driver’s insurance company might argue you sustained injuries elsewhere and are trying to pin the blame on their client.
Not gathering evidence
After you have called the police and are sure they are on their way, gathering as much evidence as possible would be wise as it is beneficial to both law enforcement and your personal injury lawyer. Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicle and the debris on the road, if any. Ensure all the pictures are clear and capture the crash from every angle to give the insurance company and the police a good view.
Waiting too long to act
It wouldn’t be a great idea to wait too long to go to the hospital and document the full extent of your injuries. You might feel fine after an accident but ensure you ascertain your health status. Remember, there is a statute of limitations that stipulates the time after the accident date that you can file a lawsuit. Once this time has elapsed, the jury cannot consider your case. This is why you should seek car accident law services as soon as possible after the accident. Waiting too long to hire a lawyer can lead to mistakes that can hurt your case, thus preventing you from getting the right compensation for the damages incurred.
Not calling the police
No matter how small the accident may seem, it is never a good idea to neglect to call the police. First and foremost, it is your legal obligation to involve the police after an accident. Secondly, you cannot get a police report unless an officer arrives at the scene and examines the vehicles. You will need this report to file a claim for compensation later.
Failing to alert your insurance company
Once you are sure the police and ambulance are on their way, the next call you should make is to your insurance company. It wouldn’t be wise to let them hear about the accident from a third party. However, avoid disclosing too much information about your fault or injuries. Keep the information you disburse to a minimum and only disclose the accident’s date, location, and time.
Agreeing to a quick settlement
You might be confused about why we advise you against a quick settlement. After all, accepting it means you don’t need to go to court. You would also have the money to cover your medical bills and fix our car. However, a quick settlement almost always never covers the total cost you would have received in the full settlement. Your medical or garage bills might amount to more than the other driver gave you, forcing you to dive back into your pockets. Since you already accepted their settlement, you cannot reopen the case and fight for your rights.
Wrapping up
It is vital that you protect your well-being and rights in the event of an accident. Seek medical attention and speak to an attorney to help protect your rights. Don’t make mistakes that might end up damaging your well-being and rights in the future.
