Car accidents are stressful and chaotic experiences that can often leave drivers overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. The immediate moments after an accident are critical, though, and your actions can significantly impact your physical recovery, financial stability, and ability to secure compensation. While no one plans to get into a car accident, large counties see over 150,000 car accidents annually, showing how common the incident is. Knowing how to respond when one does occur, as well as what to avoid doing, can make a huge difference from a legal and medical standpoint. Learn the six common mistakes that people make after a car accident so that you don’t run into the same issues if you find yourself in a wreck.
1. Failing to Call the Police
Many people hesitate to call the police after a car accident, especially if it seems minor and if there are no injuries. You might assume that the hassle isn’t worth it or that handling things informally with the other person or people is simpler. While you may not be obligated legally to contact the police depending on the circumstances of your accident, you still certainly should as they can create a police report.
A police report will serve as an objective record of what happened and will document the circumstances of the accident, the parties involved, and any statements from witnesses. Insurance companies and courts often have to rely on documents such as a police report to determine fault and assess claims, but without official documentation, liability can be harder to resolve. Even in car accidents where damage seems negligible, injuries or complications can arise later so always remember to contact the police.
2. Admitting Fault
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it’s natural to feel shaken or unsure about what happened. Sometimes, people accidentally apologize instinctually or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. These words can unfortunately later be used against you in insurance or legal proceedings even if an investigation shows you weren’t to blame for the accident.
Avoid saying common phrases such as “I didn’t see you there” or “I should have looked for oncoming traffic longer”, as these can be indications of admitting fault. Determining fault in car accidents will be a lengthy process involving examining road conditions, traffic violations, and more, so don’t admit to something you didn’t cause.
3. Neglecting Medical Attention
After an accident happens, it’s very common for adrenaline to mask your pain or injuries. Many people even walk away from an accident thinking they are fine only to experience painful symptoms hours or days later. Rather than allowing this to happen to yourself, don’t make the third common mistake of not seeking out medical attention as this can jeopardize both your health and your ability to claim compensation.
Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding are all common after a car accident but they don’t often manifest right away. By delaying your medical treatment you will risk exacerbating these conditions, and insurance may claim it impossible to prove that the accident caused those injuries if too much time has passed. See a doctor as soon as possible after an accident to avoid this issue, even if you feel alright.
4. Not Collecting Evidence
In the heat of the moment after a car accident, stress and confusion can make it easy to overlook the importance of documenting the scene around you. However, failing to gather necessary evidence can leave you at a major disadvantage when you are trying to prove your case to the court or insurance later. Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles, property, or injuries, as well as gather any other visual evidence.
Try to also collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers who were involved. Ask witnesses if they’d be willing to give a brief statement on what they saw, as having multiple accounts of the accident corroborating your position can strengthen your case and counter any conflicting claims.
5. Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and all the challenges that come with it, receiving a settlement offer from the insurance company can feel like a relief. However, the first initial offers you receive could be far below the value of your claim and insurers may be pressing you to accept quickly. By settling too soon you risk being under-compensated for expenses like ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, future rehabilitation, and more.
It’s important to take the proper time to assess the full extent of your injuries after an accident so that you don’t make this mistake. Work with an accredited personal injury attorney who can help you understand what your claim is truly worth based on the details of your case, as this will allow you to negotiate a fair settlement.
6. Failing to Notify Insurance
Some people, for one reason or another, delay reporting an accident to their insurance provider. Whether it’s out of fear of premium increases or because you think it’s unnecessary in a small accident, be aware that not reporting the incident can have serious consequences.
Most insurance policies include clauses that state accidents must be reported within a specific timeframe to make an eligible claim. Missing the deadline can result in a denial of coverage that leaves you financially responsible for any damages or injuries, even if you aren’t at fault. When contacting your insurance company, only give them the facts of the incident and avoid making any statements that could harm your case.
Navigate the aftermath of your accident
The aftermath of a car accident can be a challenging and uncertain time, but avoiding the six common mistakes above can help you to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. By staying calm, seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, and consulting with an accredited attorney you can navigate the process of a car accident more efficiently. Proactive steps now will ensure you’re prepared to handle any challenges that may arise later, thus allowing you to focus more on your recovery.