Car accidents can be scary and confusing. Even the smallest vehicle accident can leave one shaking and confused, so it’s natural to make a mistake in a panic. Here are the top 5 mistakes people usually make after an accident that you must avoid:
1. Leaving the Scene of the Accident
One of the biggest and most common mistakes people make after an accident is to leave the scene of the accident, especially one that involves substantial injury or damage. Not only is this illegal, but you can also get charged with a hit-and-run. Plus, you won’t have the information required to claim compensation
- You’re only allowed to leave the scene of the accident if:
- You are badly injured and need medical assistance
- You need to leave so you can contact the police ( which is quite uncommon since you can easily contact the police via your phone)
- You’re not safe at the scene of the accident or the other party is threatening you
If you have to leave the scene for a valid reason, you must contact the police dispatch and inform them about who you are, your contact details, and why you have to leave.
2. Not Reporting the Accident to the Police
Another common mistake most drivers make is not reporting to the police after the accident. A police officer can write a report and help collect evidence which can later be used by you to pursue car accident claims.
However, a lot of accident victims end up convincing themselves that there’s no need to get the police involved. The other party may even convince you why it’s better to settle the matter in between you both. However, this makes it much easier for the person liable to convince you for a much lesser compensation than you deserve. Hence, it’s better to handle the matter legally and report it to the police as soon as possible.
3. Ignoring Your Medical Needs
Your safety should be your first priority. Many accident victims tend to tell themselves that they’re not injured and don’t need to visit the hospital. Especially if the injuries are not visible. But regardless of how big or small the accident was, you must visit the doctor after it.
Many times, the symptoms of the injury don’t show up until weeks later from the accident. So make sure to get medical care immediately. Moreover, visiting the hospital will get you the evidence you need for your injuries, which can make it easier to file a claim later on.
4. Accepting Responsibility for the Accident
While it is good to be honest, it is important that you don’t accept responsibility for the accident. You should let your lawyer handle the case for you. A lot of times, we’re not sure whether the accident was our mistake or not, but we accept responsibility because of guilt. Make sure you don’t make this mistake.
Moreover, try not to make any statements such as “I wasn’t paying attention” or “I didn’t see you” as these can indicate that you bear liability for the accident. Lastly, while reporting to the police, remain honest and as accurate as possible, but avoid oversharing.