The Aftermath of a Car Accident: What to Do and What Not to Do

Being involved in a car accident, even if just a minor one, is often a nerve-wracking and stressful experience. This is why it’s crucial to know what you need to do after the actual incident. The process of properly dealing with a car accident starts at the scene of the crime and initially involves trying to make sure everyone is safe.

Hopefully, you’re not going to be involved in a car accident, but if you do, besides consulting experienced car accident attorneys to help you manage any legal issues, here are some of the things you should do after an accident.

Check for Injuries

Check yourself and the other people in the car for visible injuries. If you or anyone else is injured in a car accident, then it is important to call 911 to report the incident. If you are severely injured, avoid making any sudden movements until help finds its way to you. Keep in mind that getting medical attention can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses.

Get the Car Out of the Road

If you can, clear the roadway. Park your car on the side of the road or highway, if possible, so as not to affect oncoming traffic and other vehicles using the road. If a car accident occurs at night, turn the hazard lights on so that other road users can see you. And if it isn’t possible to move your car out of the way, then try and get yourself, as well as everyone else involved, to a safe area away from the highway or road.

Check for Vehicle Damage

If you are not hurt and you can properly assess the damage to all the cars involved in the accident, take some time and make sure you do this. If you can, take photos showing how the cars have been positioned if they’ve not been moved. Taking pictures will also help show how badly the cars have been damaged. If you’re not able to take photographs, consider drawing a diagram to highlight how the accident happened while your memory of the incident is still very fresh.

Exchange Information

Laws vary from state to state on what information drivers involved in accidents are expected to exchange. At a minimum, both parties would need to exchange their insurance information and their names. However, you can also get other information like the phone number of the other driver, the model and make of the other cars involved, the contact information and names of witnesses to the accident, etc.

What You Shouldn’t Do After a Car Accident

It’s important to know what you should do after getting into a car accident. However, it’s equally important to understand what you shouldn’t do as well. If you get into a car accident, a few of the things you should not do are:

Don’t admit guilt: When exchanging contact and insurance information, ensure you avoid making statements that make you appear to be admitting guilt or taking responsibility for the accident on your part.

Do not flee the scene of crime: Fleeing the scene of a crime could lead to you having to face criminal charges.

Don’t place blame: Don’t point fingers at the parties involved in the accident, and avoid accusing them of being responsible for the accident.

Don’t engage with the insurance adjuster: Avoid communicating with the insurance adjuster without first strongly thinking about how that interaction could affect your personal injury claim. You may be tricked into accepting a lower settlement.

Conclusion

You just read the list of do’s and don’ts you should keep in mind if you’re involved in a car accident. Also, don’t forget to hire an experienced car accident lawyer to remove the complications involved in seeking compensation.