What Not to Do After a Car Accident

We all know that being involved in a car accident can be very traumatic, especially if you are the driver and people have been injured. NHTSA’s report that an estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020. So your chances of being involved in a car crash at some point are reasonably high.

Often we think we can predict how we will act in the aftermath of a car crash, but people all react differently. Some people panic, others become aggressive, and others remain calm and do all the right things.

People often go into shock, becoming unpredictable in their actions.

It is sometimes handy to ponder what you should NOT do at the scene of the accident so that you do not prejudice any personal injury claims you may be able to make.

Let’s dive right in.

Do Not Admit Fault

Even if you believe that you are fully or partially to blame for the accident, do not admit fault or make any offers to any other parties.

After the accident, you may feel shocked, and you may have a rush of adrenaline coursing through your body.

Try to remain calm and make no admissions. Any admission you make at the accident scene could be used against you later, even a personal injury case you may bring.

If you are found to be partially or totally responsible for the accident, your claim will be reduced or even dismissed if the matter gets to court.

Do Not Lose Your Temper and Do Not Be Aggressive

You may feel outraged after an accident, especially if the accident is not your fault at all.

Even though you may feel justified in losing your temper and screaming at the other driver, do not do so. You do not know how other people may react to your aggression, so don’t be aggressive.

Accidents are already high-stress environments, and losing your cool will only add to the chaos and will not be helpful for anyone.

Do everything in your power to maintain your composure.

Busy yourself by seeing if you can assist anybody who may be injured, Call 911, take some witness statements, record the accident scene by taking pictures and videos on your cell phone.

Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident

It is a crime to leave the accident scene, so don’t do it.

Even if the injuries appear to only be minor, you are still obligated to wait for the police to arrive and make a statement to them, assess whether anybody has been injured, and exchange insurance information.

Do Not Forget to Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

In the aftermath of the accident and for a few days, you might be distracted and could forget to report the crash to your own insurance company.

There are strict time limits within which you must report. Take the time and advise them of the incident as soon as possible.

Do Not Engage With the Other Side’s Insurance Company

It may transpire that, before you have a chance to appoint a lawyer to your case, the other side’s insurance company may call you for a statement or to offer you a settlement.

Do not engage with them on both counts. Instead, advise them that you will appoint legal representation, take their details and tell them your lawyer will be in touch.

Do Not Attempt to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim Without a Lawyer

Personal injury claims are complicated and are best handled by an experienced lawyer in your area who specializes in and can provide evidence of a successful track record in personal injury cases and car accident claims.

If you’re a California resident, visit YarianLaw.com to set up an appointment with their highly specialized and experienced lawyers.

In Summary

Most importantly, keep your cool and adopt the approach that everything you say and do after the accident could be essential to any case you may have.