A car collision can leave you disoriented, and in the confusion, you may make certain mistakes that could jeopardize whether you receive compensation for your injuries.
Avoid these three common missteps after a motor vehicle accident.
1. Admitting fault
Often, in the immediate aftermath of a crash, it may not be clear right away who is responsible. Even if you are unsure of who is to blame, never admit fault or accept partial blame for the accident. You should also avoid apologizing to the other parties, even as a way to calm the situation.
2. Not collecting evidence
Physical proof is important to establish who was at fault for the collision and to demonstrate the extent of the damage to your person. Make sure to take photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles involved. You should ask any witnesses to provide statements. After seeking medical attention, document your injuries and collect any relevant medical records such as scans, X-rays and doctor’s notes.
3. Failing to call the police
Sometimes, when an accident does not seem serious, you or the other parties involved may forego calling the police. However, you should always call law enforcement and obtain a police report. If you later find that the damage is more severe than you realized, you will want a copy of the police report as evidence of the accident.
Like most people, you hope you will never experience an automobile collision, but you should still prepare for this unfortunate situation. Understanding what to do ahead of time will help to ensure you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your personal injury case.
