The last thing anyone expects is to be involved in a car accident. Sadly, they often happen without warning; you might be driving along a Washington road when you’re suddenly struck by another vehicle and injured. If you’re in a crash, it’s crucial to avoid making these common mistakes.
Not staying at the scene
Many people in motor vehicle accidents think it’s fine to leave the scene if they believe they’re not at fault. However, doing so can result in hit-and-run charges later. Stay there and wait for the authorities to arrive.
Not calling 911
The police must come to the scene of all accidents resulting in injuries. Not calling 911 to summon law enforcement and an ambulance is a big mistake that can cost you. If you or the other driver file a lawsuit and no one calls 911, you won’t have a police accident report to use as evidence.
Not seeking medical attention
Even if you feel fine after a crash, you might have sustained injuries that manifest later. You may have internal bleeding or delayed pain and other symptoms. Not seeking medical attention can come back to bite you; it can lead to your injuries being worse than they would have been had you seen a doctor and means you won’t have medical records to use as evidence.
Saying too much
After a car crash, it might come naturally to you to apologize to the other driver, but this is a big mistake. It can be taken as admitting fault for the crash. When exchanging information, keep your conversation to the barest minimum.
Not collecting evidence
All injury claims are based on evidence. As a result, collecting as much as possible after a crash is crucial. If you fail to gather everything you need to prove who was at fault and that you suffered injuries, you may not be able to recover compensation.
Car accidents often leave people confused and overwhelmed. However, it’s best to remain calm and do everything right.