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.
