7 Things to Never Do After a Car Accident
Being in a car accident is more common than you might think.
There are more than six million accidents each year, with Dodge drivers most likely to be involved in an accident (Dodges are involved in 17% more accidents, with Chevrolets and Hondas coming in second and third place).
While your first instinct may be to make sure you and your passengers are uninjured, there are certain actions you should avoid taking in those initial moments after the crash. Here are 7 things you should never do after getting into a car accident:
Leave the Scene
One of the worst things you can do after a collision is leave the scene without exchanging insurance and contact information. Fleeing an accident scene, even if you were not at fault, is illegal and can result in criminal charges in addition to civil penalties. In most states, drivers who leave the scene of an accident can be fined up to $5,000. You could even face felony or misdemeanor charges, or have your license suspended.
Always remain at the scene to comply with the law and document what transpired.
Forget to Call the Police
Even minor fender benders should involve calling the police to the accident scene. An officer can take statements, document damage, direct traffic, and determine citations. Having a police report to accompany your insurance claim will make the process much smoother and faster. Never assume the accident is too small to get authorities involved.
Neglect to Gather Information
Be sure to collect as much information as possible from the other drivers involved. This includes their names, contact info, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers. Also, take down information about passengers, witnesses, and details about the actual collision. Document the time, date, location, weather conditions, and damages from the crash.
Admit Fault
Even if you get into a car accident and believe it was your fault, never admit fault or accept blame. Details often emerge later that may change who was actually liable. Admitting culpability at the scene can harm your ability to make an injury or insurance claim down the road.
Forget Photos of Damage
Use your smartphone to take photos of damage to both vehicles, injured parties, skid marks, debris on the road, and the accident surroundings. Capture wider shots of the whole scene in addition to close-ups of dents, cracks, and injuries. Documentation will help support your recollection of what happened.
Post on Social Media Prematurely
Resist the urge to post about the accident on social platforms or call loved ones right away, even if you are angry or hurt. Injured parties may review your profiles for evidence they can use against you. Wait until after you have consulted your car accident attorney before posting anything related to the incident.
Decline Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have visible injuries after the crash, consider getting examined by a doctor. Symptoms of concussions, whiplash, and other injuries sometimes do not materialize for hours or days later. Getting promptly checked over will document your health following the collision.
Being in an automobile accident can be frightening and chaotic. Avoiding these mistakes will help protect your rights and facilitate the claims process. Keep calm and do not flee or make statements against your interests.
