Car accidents are common and never seem to happen when it’s convenient; ask anyone who has had one. However, if you take the time to complete a few critical actions before leaving the scene, you can save yourself many headaches later, including financial hardship.
Just like the moments immediately after an accident, while you are still at the scene sorting things out, what comes next can also be complicated: dealing with injuries that require treatment, both mental and emotional. At the same time, you may need to navigate the legal and insurance complexities that often follow car accidents.
Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes after accidents that can have significant negative consequences. From leaving the scene too early to not reporting the accident, this blog aims to help you avoid pitfalls that can worsen the situation.
If you have been in a car accident that was not your fault or only partially your fault, you may need an attorney to help. We offer a free consultation that carries absolutely no risk to you. If we work together, you don’t pay a dime until you win a settlement.
Here are some common mistakes people make after a car accident:
- Leaving the Scene: Under certain circumstances, leaving the scene of an accident is a severe offense and can result in criminal charges. Bottom line: Stay safe, but stay at the scene until authorities arrive.
- Not Calling the Police: Even for minor accidents, it is usually best to call the police. At the very least, a police report will be taken, which can provide valuable documentation for insurance purposes and potential legal actions.
- Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault at the scene of an accident to the other driver(s) or witnesses, including passengers in your car or the others involved. Even when an accident seems straightforward, it may be more complex than you realize. Let an attorney gather evidence, which will help determine fault.
- Not Taking Pictures of the Scene and Injuries: Please take pictures. In the minutes after an accident, vehicles are often moved, rendering some evidence unusable. Put yourself in a safe spot and take photos of the cars, the roadway, damage to property next to the accident scene, like fences or other parked vehicles, and skid marks. Take pictures of any visible injuries to your body. Note: When the other driver shows their identification and registration to you, could you take a picture of it? It’s much easier and quicker to snap a photo. It also ensures you are getting correct information and no mistakes are made.
- Not Seeking Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Consider an urgent care clinic or call your doctor’s office if it is during business hours and try to get an appointment right away. Some injuries do not cause pain right away. Even a little bit of adrenaline can delay the onset of pain.
- Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company: Wait to speak to any insurance representatives until you consult an attorney. Insurance companies may try to obtain information that could be used against you. Even if it is after hours, you can call an experienced car accident attorney and leave a message. That will help ensure you can speak to someone the next day.
Remember, avoiding these common mistakes after a car accident and contacting an experienced Stockton car accident attorney as soon as possible will help ensure the best possible outcome and fair compensation.
If you have been in an accident and need an attorney, call us at (209) 323-5126 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.
