5 Things Not to Do After a Car Accident

5 Things Not to Do After a Car Accident

“Is it my fault? or ‘Is anyone injured?” Should I storm out with fear and a loud voice or be calm and composed?  There is usually a lot of confusion when it comes to car accidents. And as a result, there can be some poor decisions made.

Take a deep breath and approach the accident with depth and clarity. Oh, and whatever happens, this is what you should not do. And in case, you have more questions on car accidents and personal injury claims, go to https://www.jaeleelaw.com/.

Fleeing the scene

This might be the first instinctual move you might think of. It might not be the smartest especially when the other driver knows you are in the wrong. And the real empowering question is, “Who is really in the wrong?” If you don’t know the factual shreds of evidence, wait for backup. And by this, I mean, call the police. Instead of fleeing the scene, pull over, walk out of the car and suggest to the other driver to also do so.

If the situation is dire and you are better off, immediately check on the driver and call 911. There is a legal exemption to this rule. For example, if you believe you were not involved in a car accident, you are not obligated to call 911.

Forgetting to document the scene

You need to exchange and collect information with the other driver. You must have their policy number, phone number, name address, car plate number, and photos of the scene. You should also get the correct contact information from the police officer who will file the report.

Admitting fault

Admitting fault at the accident scene is not your job. Your job is to sit and wait for the police to gather factual evidence. While it may be tempting to admit fault to the current heat of the moment, you might regret such a decision later on. You will give your lawyer and insurance company a hard time defending your claims. Assigning fault is the work of law enforcement professionals.

Denying any injury

Medics wearing neck corset to an injured man sitting in the car after the road accident, providing emergency medical assistance

It is important to know that you are in a large chemical and emotionally charged situation. Your primal focus is to move away from it as fast as possible. Don’t be intimidated by the adrenaline rush because you will fail to allocate your injuries. Telling people, you don’t need a medical examination will prevent you from receiving any kind of compensation.

Remember that any kind of injury, whether minor or major, maybe turn out to be worse than it appears. For example, a minor head injury may have formed a clot in your brain. This may pose negative neurological effects when ignored.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

Signing a “quick hit” release

Insurance companies will try to solve the accident incident as fast as possible while incurring as little cost as possible. It is important to keep this fact in your mind. You should eliminate the thought of talking to an insurance adjuster because he or she will persuade you to settle for a cheap settlement fee. This may seem a good deal at first, but it can have consequences in the future.