Five Things You Shouldn’t Do After a Car Accident
Accidents happen quickly; if you are injured or rattled, it might be challenging to take the correct steps to protect yourself. Here are some common mistakes drivers make.
Not Getting Enough Information
Getting contact and other information from anyone involved in the accident is essential. The DMV in California advises that if the accident involved more than $1,000 worth of damages or if someone was injured or killed, you must know the driver’s name, date of birth, and telephone number. You also need the individual’s license number and the state where it was issued. Copy down the license plate and the state of origin. Insurance information is vital, too. Get the name of the insurer, the policy number, and the date the policy expires. If the policy is not in the driver’s name, note the name on the policy and the owner’s information if different than that of the driver.
Not Seeking Medical Care Right Away
You must be seen by a doctor in the emergency room or at his or her office as soon as you can after the accident. Some injuries, such as cervical sprain, may not show full symptoms for 24 to 48 hours. Others, such as a subdural hematoma in an individual over 60, may take almost 30 days for symptoms to fully manifest themselves. Waiting is always a bad idea.
Failing to Call the Police
Even though authorities cannot investigate every accident, specifically when no injuries or minor damage is done, calling them to report the accident is a good idea. If your accident is on a highway, phone the California Highway Patrol. Other accidents inside a city or county will be handled by the local police departments. Tell them what happened succinctly, and they will tell you if they will come to the accident site. If the authorities are coming, just inform the others involved in the accident and wait.
Not Taking Pictures
This can be a costly mistake. It is impossible to describe the damages to another vehicle as precisely as a picture would. It is essential to get:
- The precise location of the vehicles after the accident.
- Take a picture of the roadway, noting any tire marks such as skid marks that, when absent, show that either the driver’s brakes locked or the brakes were not applied. Reconstruction experts can tell a great deal about what happened at the car’s final resting place.
- If the weather was bad, get a clear picture of that too.
- If damages are visible, from paint scrapes to dents, make sure you capture it for later on.
Dealing With the Insurance Company Yourself
Let’s face it: right after an accident, particularly if you are injured, or someone you love was hurt badly, you may say things that could be used against you. All of us feel bad when someone is hurt in an accident, and it is sometimes second nature to apologize for the accident, even if it was not your fault. Having an experienced injury lawyer at your side is essential. In fact, it is easier to allow your attorney to represent you with the insurance company.
Related Articles by Modesto Car Accident Lawyer Ed Smith
- Why Should I Contact an Attorney?
- What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Claim?
- When Is a Claim Worth Pursuing?
Modesto Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. Motor vehicle accidents caused by another individual’s negligence leave you with medical bills and other expenses that are not your fault. If this happens to you, please phone (209) 227-1931 or for long-distance call (800) 404-5400 to receive friendly advice that is free of cost.
I have worked diligently for more than 35 years to help clients receive the highest compensation they can for financial damages suffered in an accident. Because of this and that settlements and verdicts are sometimes $1 million or more, I have been inducted into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, where only those trial attorneys with such results are allowed.
You might want to know what I did for other clients. First, check out some of the settlements and verdicts I won for past clients. Second, you would be well-served in looking at an attorney’s reviews. You can see mine on Avvo, Yelp, or Google.
I’ve worked with Modesto residents as well as individuals throughout Northern California in catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/accident-auto-damage-vehicle-1409005/
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