Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is extremely important to know what steps to take immediately after the accident. However, few people realize that it is just as important to know what NOT to do. Read on to learn some of the biggest mistakes made after a car accident.
MISTAKE #1: LEAVING THE SCENE
Legally, you are obligated to stop if you’ve been in an accident. Failure to stay at the scene could lead to serious criminal charges if anyone was injured. Besides, you ‘ll need to exchange insurance information with the other parties involved, take photos of the scene, and speak with the police officer making the accident report. Speaking of. . .
MISTAKE #2: NOT CALLING 911
This goes for both minor fender benders and 10 car pile ups. If there has been any sort of accident, you’ll want the police to come and make a report. In some states, not reporting an accident can be considered an offense. Plus, the police officer wasn’t in the accident and isn’t experiencing the same intense emotions as you, so they are able to better document details you might forget, like the weather, road conditions, witnesses, etc. In this way, a police report can help strengthen a property damage or personal injury claim.
MISTAKE #3: ADMITTING FAULT
Even if it was obviously your fault, do not admit so and do not profusely apologize. Remain calm, help others in need, and wait for the authorities to arrive and make a report. Do be honest when giving a statement to the police but avoid phrases like “It was all my fault”. Such statements may damage any potential insurance claim.
MISTAKE #4: LOSING YOUR TEMPER
When someone puts you and your family in harm’s way, it is easy to let your emotions get the best of you. But getting angry is not productive or helpful in the aftermath of an accident. Don’t be aggressive or confront any of the other parties involved.
MISTAKE #5: REFUSING OR NEGLECTING MEDICAL TREATMENT
Get examined by a medical professional right away, whether that is a paramedic on the scene, your primary care doctor, or a trip to the hospital in an ambulance. The most important thing is your health and well-being.
MISTAKE #6: NOT COLLECTING EVIDENCE
Make sure to get, at a minimum, the following information from the other driver(s) involved: name, phone number, license Plate Number, and insurance card information,
Also, get photos/videos of the cars involved, the weather conditions, the road conditions, even a bank sign that might indicate date and time.
Did any bystanders witness the accident? Ask if the witnesses would be willing to provide their contact information and give statements to the police.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call an experienced car accident lawyer Central Phoenix, AZ trusts that can help you navigate what to do, and what not to do.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Kamper Estrada, LLP for their insight into car accidents and mistakes to avoid.