While you may take steps to minimize your risk of being in an accident, there is no guarantee that others will be as careful. In 2010, there were 2.24 million traffic accidents that resulted in injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Take a look at some of the things you shouldn’t do in the immediate aftermath of a collision.
Don’t leave before scene prematurely
Regardless of how minor the crash might seem, it is typically a crime to not report an accident to authorities. At a minimum, be sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved in the wreck. If a person appears to be hurt, you must generally make a good faith effort to obtain medical assistance for that individual.
Don’t admit guilt
It is never a good idea to say or do anything that could be interpreted as taking responsibility for the crash. Conversely, you shouldn’t automatically blame the other driver for causing the wreck before you have sufficient evidence to prove that this is true. Ideally, you will remain calm and take a few moments to assess the situation that you find yourself in.
Don’t ignore the consequences of what happened
If you are experiencing chronic pain days or weeks after an accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Ideally, you’ll see a doctor immediately after leaving the crash scene even if you feel fine. It may also be necessary to hire an attorney if you plan on pursuing compensation from the other driver or if that person plans on filing a lawsuit of his or her own.
While a motor vehicle collision can be an unsettling event, it’s important to know what to do after one occurs. A personal injury attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for medical bills or other expenses that you incurred because of another person’s negligent actions. Your attorney might use witness statements or photos from the crash scene in an effort to obtain a favorable settlement or jury award.