What you do after a car accident is crucial, as it can determine the direction your claim takes. Some drivers make mistakes that negatively impact their cases. Thus, despite being confused and perhaps angry, you should be careful about your decisions.
Below are four mistakes to avoid when you are involved in a car accident
1. Not calling the police
The other driver may request to handle the case without involving the authorities, especially if the accident is “minor.” While you may want to sort out the issue quickly and return to your errands, this may be unwise. You should call the police to document what happened. You may have suffered severe injuries, but adrenaline is masking the pain, or your car may have considerable damages that aren’t visible on the spot. A police report will come in handy if circumstances surrounding your case change later.
2. Accepting fault
You should not accept fault after an accident, even partially. When exchanging insurance and contact information with the other driver, do not apologize. It’s natural to say sorry after a shocking experience, but this can be viewed as admitting fault. The other driver’s insurance company may use it to deny you the compensation you deserve.
3. Not documenting the accident scene
Documenting an accident scene is vital. Before things change, you should take pictures of your vehicle, the position of both cars, the surroundings and your injuries.
4. Not getting medical attention
When you leave the accident scene, you should seek medical help, even if you believe you are not injured. Doing this ensures your injuries are discovered and treated sooner. Further, you will have reliable medical records for your claim.
If you are involved in an accident, you should get legal help to avoid costly mistakes.