What Not To Do After Car Accidents That Can Hury Your Case

A small error behind the wheel can cause a dangerous car accident, and mistakes following your wreck can have a negative impact as well. Knowing many of these are common

mistakes after a car accident

ahead of time can help you stay calm and focused.

If you have been involved in an accident, it’s important to know which steps to take – and which ones to avoid. Understanding the

things you should not do after a car accident

can help you steer clear of avoidable problems and

car accident legal mistakes

that hurt your case. Read on to learn more!

Mistakes You Should Avoid Making After A Car Accident

This section outlines key

car accident mistakes to avoid

and the major

after a car accident mistakes

that drivers often do not realize can cause issues later.

NEVER: Leave The Scene
Leaving an accident scene could be considered a crime, so never drive away after a crash. Remain on the scene until law enforcement arrives.
NEVER: Avoid Calling 911
Many auto accident victims wrongly assume that they only need to call 911 if there are serious injuries. This is not the case! Even if emergency medical attention is not necessary, the police will need to assess the scene to complete their accident report. This step plays an important role if you decide to pursue legal action.
NEVER: Admit You Are At Fault To Anyone Other Than Your Attorney
Do not apologize or admit that you were responsible for causing the car accident – unless you are speaking to your attorney. Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company, acting as your advocate.
NEVER: Fail To Exchange Information
You may be in shock following your car accident, but it is important to exchange information with the other drivers involved. Ask for their contact information as well as driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and auto insurance company/policy details.
NEVER: Skip Medical Examination
Even seemingly minor injuries may worsen over time, so it is best to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Documentation of any injuries will be helpful if the insurance company tries to dispute your auto accident claim. Ignoring medical care is one of the key
what not to do after a car accident
issues that insurance companies often point to when disputing injuries.
NEVER: Fail To Hire A Skilled Attorney
While it is possible to handle your own auto accident claim, it is not recommended. The legal system can be very difficult to navigate, especially while you are recovering from accident injuries. A skilled car accident lawyer can help maximize compensation, offering trusted legal advice each step of the way.

Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Now that you know what NOT to do, our team has provided a helpful list of steps to take after your auto accident.

Step 1: Call 911 Immediately
Remain on the scene and call 911 immediately to report your accident. When the police arrive, tell them what happened but never admit fault. Be sure to mention any injuries, even minor ones.

Step 2: Exchange Information With Other Parties Retrieve as much information as possible from everyone involved, including witnesses. Ask each person for the following:

Name

Contact information (phone number, address, driver’s license number, etc.)

Insurance details (company, policy number, etc.)

Vehicle details (tag number, make/model, etc.)

Step 3: Document The Scene of The Car Crash Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and the surrounding area. Also, be sure to get photos of any injuries.

Step 4: Get a Medical Exam As Soon As Possible

Even if you do not believe you are injured, schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. If you decide to seek compensation for medical treatment in the future, this step is crucial.

Step 5:

This is one of the most important car accident mistakes to avoid and where timely

auto accident lawyer advice

can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

The days and weeks following your car accident may feel overwhelming, but The Mike Hostilo Law Firm is here to help! Let our qualified team handle everything, offering legal advice when you need it most.

Simply call (844) 431-4024 for trusted legal support when you’re in a car accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident, wrongful death, slip & fall and other personal injury claims, Hostilo can help.

So, let’s begin, schedule your free consultation today!

You can find us serving accident injury victims in the following areas:

SOUTH CAROLINA LAWYERS

GEORGIA LAWYERS

(Park of Commerce) Savannah, GA

(Abercorn) Savannah, GA

Statesboro, GA