Top 5 Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident

The steps you take after a car accident can affect the legal aftermath of the crash, including the amount of damages you can recover. The shock, confusion, and sometimes serious injuries people sustain in accidents can make it easy to ignore or overlook some important measures.

In the first few minutes and hours, it is easy to make a decision that may seem harmless but end up hurting your recovery chances. In a world where a majority of causes of car crashes are caused by negligence, here are the top five mistakes most people make that you should avoid. 

1. Not Calling the Police

It might feel unnecessary to call law enforcement if the accident seems minor. However, skipping the step of dialing 911 is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Most people assume that you only need to call the police if there is extreme property damage, injuries, or cases of a hit-and-run. 

After a car accident, you need an official report. The adrenaline after a crash can trick you into thinking everything is fine. However, issues can arise later on. Without documentation, it becomes a case of your word against someone else’s. A police report can include important details like:

• Statements from both drivers
• Witness information
• Initial assessment of who may be at fault

This is an important piece of evidence if you end up filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. 

2. Admitting Fault at the Scene

You may feel the need to apologize after an accident. But you need to fight this instinct. After an accident, even saying “I’m sorry” can be taken as admitting fault. Since you do not have facts in those initial moments, it is easy to think you are to blame. However, an investigation could show the other driver ran a red light or was speeding. 

Therefore, let the authorities, insurance adjusters, and your attorney (if you have one) sort out the details. Say as little as possible at the scene and focus on ensuring everyone is safe.

3. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

After a crash, you might feel fine or dismiss the few bruises you have. However, some injuries, like internal bleeding, do not show symptoms right away. If you skip going to the doctor, you are risking your health and giving insurance companies an excuse to question the severity of your injuries. 

Getting checked out immediately creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident. This document is important if you later need to file a claim for medical bills or lost income. 

4. Not Collecting Evidence

In the chaos of an accident, it is easy to forget to collect evidence. Do not rely only on the police report. If you are physically able, take photos of everything at the scene. This includes:

• Your car and the other vehicle
• Skid marks
• Road signs
• Any visible injuries

Get the names and contact information of witnesses. The more details you have, the harder it will be for anyone to dispute what happened. This will be your backup, even if the story changes. 

5. Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Help

Insurance companies may seem very friendly, but remember, their goal is to pay as little as possible. People mostly feel compelled to give recorded statements or accept very quick settlements without fully understanding their rights and the long-term impact of their injuries. 

Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more, even if medical bills pile up. A personal injury attorney can help you deal with insurers and ensure they are not taking advantage of you. 

Conclusion

The choices you make after an accident can have long-lasting consequences. Avoiding these common mistakes can help protect your rights. Additionally, it is important to talk to someone who can guide you through the process.