It’s often difficult to know what to do after you’ve been in a car accident. Making sure that no one is seriously injured should be your first priority. But there are a few other things that you should be aware of.
Issues related to liability, police reports, and other factors must be considered. Drivers who overlook these run the risk of creating more problems that could lead to financial loss and criminal charges.
The following are the things that you should not do after you’ve been in a car accident. Avoiding these common mistakes will protect you and help you achieve the compensation that you deserve.
1. NOT STAYING AT THE SCENE OF A CAR ACCIDENT
Leaving the scene of an accident is one of the biggest mistakes that drivers make. Many assume that they can leave when there are no injuries or damages.
It’s important to remain at the scene of an accident in order to care for any injured drivers or passengers and exchange personal information.
Leaving the scene of an accident may result in a criminal charge. This is typically classified as a misdemeanor, but in cases where serious injuries have occurred, you may end up facing felony charges.
Drivers must help others who’ve been injured and remain at the scene until a report has been filed and all information has been exchanged with the other drivers.
2. NOT CALLING THE AUTHORITIES
Some drivers assume that exchanging insurance and driver’s license information is enough. But failing to call the authorities and file a report could lead to unwanted issues down the line.
Verbal agreements with other drivers can lead to future confusion and conflict. This makes it difficult for insurance companies to determine who was at fault.
It’s also important to determine that the other driver has valid insurance. The information given to you may appear valid until you try to file a claim on a later date.
Injuries must be reported as soon as possible. Drivers often report their injuries after the fact, which can cause you to be held liable for those injuries despite not seeing them at the time of the accident.
Calling the authorities and filing a report helps make the insurance claims process easier so that you can obtain compensation as quickly as possible.
3. NOT KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS
Not knowing your rights as a driver and the obligations of insurance providers is a costly mistake that many drivers continue to make.
Insurance claims must be made as soon as possible. Taking action helps you secure a rental automobile to use while your car is being repaired, and insurance providers typically cover this cost.
Many insurance companies tell drivers that they must go to a specific location for repairs. But this is simply untrue, and drivers must understand that they have the right to have their cars repaired by service providers of their choice.
Obtaining the help of a skilled attorney helps you address these and other issues. Injuries, chronic pain, and other effects of a car accident should be dealt with properly to ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Medical costs and other losses can be recovered through the help of a legal professional. Knowing what not to do after you’ve been in a car accident prevents common pitfalls and ensures that you get the compensation you deserve.