The moments immediately following a car accident can be intense, with you and everyone else involved working to make sure there are no injuries or fatalities at the scene. Because emotions oftenn run high after collisions, it can be easy to make mistakes that can come back to bite you, should you attempt to hold someone involved in the accident accountable later on.
Thus, as important as recognizing what actions to take after a car accident is understanding what not to do. Without further ado, here is a look at steps you should avoid taking following a car crash.
Leaving the scene
Leaving the scene of a car accident before law enforcement officials can arrive is always a bad idea, regardless of whether you were the one at fault for the collision. You and the other driver may agree that fleeing will help you avoid having your insurance rates rise, but leaving the scene can also inhibit your ability to seek recourse for damages, injuries and so on.
Playing down your injuries
Adrenaline tends to run high after a car accident, and this rush of adrenaline can make it hard for you to feel pain or notice any injuries you may have that may not be readily apparent. Whiplash, for example, sometimes does not become noticeable until sometime after the accident, and the same holds true for certain types of head and brain injuries. Thus, it is smart to seek prompt medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor.
Admitting guilt
Again, emotions oftenn run high after car accidents, but you want to be sure to avoid making any statements about the accident that could potentially incriminate you. Admitting fault in any form can come back to haunt you, so let the authorities do their jobs and avoid making any statements whatsoever about your possible role in the incident.
The steps you do and do not take immediately following a car accident can significantly impact your ability to secure compensation. Avoid making these common errors to improve your chances of a satisfactory outcome.
