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3 things not to do after an auto accident

On Behalf of | Nov 17, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Being involved in an accident can be a scary and overwhelming situation. However, what you do in the moments and hours after an accident can greatly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. 

If another party causes the accident, be sure to remain as calm as possible and avoid the mistakes listed here. 

1. Minimizing your injuries

After an accident, you may not feel very sore. You may even think you are fine. Even if this is the case, you should not say that you aren’t hurt to anyone. If an injury does appear after the accident, the insurance company may try to use your statement against you to refuse compensation. 

Along with not minimizing your potential injuries, you should not wait to seek a medical evaluation, either. Sometimes injuries take hours or days to appear. If you don’t seek medical treatment immediately, they may get worse, or the insurance company will use this to say you weren’t actually injured. 

2. Being confrontational or uncooperative

Accidents are traumatic and emotionally charged. However, it is best if you stay as calm as possible. Help anyone who is injured and answer any questions the authorities ask about your insurance and identity. Being uncooperative is only going to make this challenging situation harder. You may also say something you shouldn’t, which could also hurt your ability to recover compensation. 

3. Not collecting evidence

Accident scenes change quickly. With people coming and going, evidence can be lost or moved. It is smart to take pictures, get witness information and write down everything you remember about the incident immediately. 

Protecting your right to compensation after a car accident

If you are involved in a car accident, you must protect your legal rights to recover compensation from the at-fault party. The best way to do this is by avoiding the mistakes above.