Being involved in an auto accident is an extremely distressing experience. There are no exact studies or figures for the number of car accidents in 2024 as of yet, but current estimates have this forecast at over 6 million, with 39,345 fatalities according to NHTSA.
And if you find yourself involved in one of the many thousands of incidents on the road each day, it can be hard to think clearly in the moment and know what to do. But there are most definitely some things you should not be doing and mistakes you need to avoid to make the best of the situation and get the right help and support you need post-accident.
Not Getting Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine or you think the accident was minor, you still need medical assistance, even just to get the ok for a clean bill of health. Many health issues resulting from car accidents don’t present right away; it might be a few hours later or the next day when you really feel it. So, regardless of how you feel, get medical assistance as soon as possible to rule out anything serious.
Not Reporting The Accident
It can be tempting to brush it under the carpet or sort it out between other involved parties to avoid involving the police or insurance companies. This is a major no-no, especially if the at-fault party suggests it. Always report the incident to the police and to your insurance company, as this can make all the difference in determining who is at fault if a claim is made down the line or the other party changes their mind about how they want to approach it or disputes who is at fault.
Admitting Fault
You need to avoid statements that can be taken as you admitting fault or being partially responsible for the accident, even if it wasn’t your fault. Words and statements can be interpreted differently from how they’re meant and used against you. Stick to factual reporting and documenting observations when talking to police, insurance companies, or anyone else in relation to the accident. For instance, instead of saying ‘I’m sorry’, you can say ‘I hope everyone is okay’. This way, you express concern without admitting fault.
Not Collecting Evidence
Simply walking away or not ensuring the right evidence has been collected before people leave the scene will not work in your favor down the line. This leaves everything open to benign dispute. You need to collect and document evidence as soon as you are able to do so. Get video evidence, take photographs, talk to witnesses, and get their details. Overlooking this will give other involved parties the upper hand over you and potentially lead to you being blamed even if you were totally innocent.
Not Getting Legal Help Right Away
It can be really confusing trying to handle a claim on your own, and while you are quite within your rights to do so, a skilled car accident attorney can help you get the best result and understand when to push back and when to accept what is a good offer. A car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Plus, the Insurance Research Council found that people who use legal help when making accident claims get on average 3.5 times more compensation than those who go it alone and have a significantly higher chance of getting a settlement at all.