If you have ever been involved in a car accident, you know how chaotic the aftermath can be. However, it is crucial to avoid making mistakes to prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. Taking the proper actions can make a big difference in the immediate moments following the crash, and in the future, especially if you decide to move forward with a personal injury claim.
Here are some things you should avoid doing after an accident, which can protect you and your chances at compensation:
- Stopping the car where the accident occurred: It is dangerous to stop your vehicle in the middle of the road after the accident. Doing so puts you at risk for another accident. Instead, all parties involved should pull over to a safe side of the road where you will not be in the way of oncoming traffic.
- Leaving the scene of the accident: This is not just a bad idea, but illegal. Even if you hit a parked car, you should always report it.
- Cleaning up the scene: It might seem like you are doing the right thing by picking up broken car parts and cleaning up the accident, but this is unwise for a couple of reasons. First, you will want to photograph the scene and make sure that it is well documented. Second, if you are out in the middle of the road trying to pick up the pieces, you might get in the way of oncoming traffic.
- Neglecting to call the police: Even if the accident is relatively minor, you should still remember to call the police, so they can file a report. Not only does this help things run smoothly for both sides, but your insurance company will also want a copy of the police report.
- Underestimating the pain of injuries sustained: Oftentimes, individuals feel fine after a car accident, and might continue to feel fine for days or weeks afterward. That does not mean there were no injuries though. In fact, many injuries do not present any symptoms until long after the accident took place. Therefore, even if you are only experiencing a small amount of pain, or none at all, you should still make it a priority to visit a doctor to request a full evaluation.
- Ignoring or acting rude to the other driver: There is a fair amount of tension at the scene of an accident, so do not add to it by being impolite to the other driver. Make sure everyone is safe, be polite, and call the police.
- Taking responsibility for the accident: Never apologize or take responsibility for an accident at the scene of an accident. There will likely be an investigation, so do not be too hasty to take the blame for something that might not even be your fault.
- Forgetting to take pictures: This might not have been quite so easy in the past, but these days many of us have cell phones that have cameras. Taking pictures of the accident scene is crucial and can provide solid evidence for your case.
Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents happen all the time, injuring drivers and passengers and incurring steep expenses. You should not have to pay for something that was not your fault. At Metzger Wickersham, our car accident attorneys understand the difficulties you might be facing, which is why we are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (888) 286-2850 to schedule a free consultation.