The Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident
There are roughly 13 car accidents every minute across the United States. You’re more likely to have a car accident at some point in your life than not.
Car accidents have far-reaching effects beyond the collision. There may be long-term injuries, financial impacts, lawsuits, and legal implications.
The steps you take right after a car wreck have a direct influence on what happens later on and how much damage the accident causes after the fact.
The best thing you can do right now is to learn what to do and not do after a car accident. Fortunately, you’re in the right place to learn about the steps to take after a car accident.
All you have to do is read on to find out what they are.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
A vehicle accident is unnerving. It’s scary because your sense of safety is threatened. At that moment, your adrenaline will rush through your body.
You can panic and react out of fear. While it’s a normal reaction, it’s the worst thing to do at the moment. You might want to run away, but that will cause legal issues.
Another common reaction is to talk to the other driver and be too friendly. This could cause you to admit fault or say something that can be held against you later on.
If the other driver was at fault and they know it, they may try to negotiate a settlement at the scene. Don’t do anything without talking to a lawyer first.
You could have injuries that appear later on or have other issues that the settlement doesn’t cover.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Now that you know what you shouldn’t do after a car accident, it’s good to know what you should do.
The first thing to do is remain calm. Be sure to check everyone involved in the accident for injuries. Call 911 if there are serious injuries.
You can talk to the other drivers involved, but only to exchange information.
Call the police to file a police report, even if it’s for a minor vehicle accident. Take pictures and notes of everything leading up to and after the accident.
You’ll want to get an attorney involved in the situation right away. They can do everything from negotiating with insurance companies to protecting your rights in court.
In California, you’ll want to get a lawyer that has experience with arbitration for a car accident. The state allows for arbitration instead of going to court.
What to Do After a Car Wreck
What should you do after a car accident? The most important thing to do is stay calm. Your first instinct might be to run, but that won’t help you.
Take the steps outlined in this article. Say as little as possible to other drivers, but exchange information. File a police report and contact an attorney.
Those simple steps will help you protect your rights.
Do you want more helpful tips? Be sure to check out the other articles on the blog today.
