Being in a car accident has to be a very traumatic experience for anyone. In these tough times, we often tend to make serious mistakes that can cost us later. Thus, it is important to know the correct steps to follow after being in an accident, as bad times always come unannounced.
If you or your loved ones have been in a car accident, there are certain steps that you need to take to ensure you get proper treatment and compensation for the accident. During that time, ensure you do not carry out these mistakes.
Check out the top 5 mistakes people make after a car accident:
Choosing not to get the police involved
Probably the worst thing you can do after being in an accident is think that you can manage the situation alone. Your first instinct should always be to call 911. Even if you or anyone else is not majorly injured, it never hurts to have a police report with all the details of the scene.
If the insurance company gives you grief about your claims, you can always refer to the police report to get important details. If the accident was not your fault, you have nothing to worry about. Just go ahead and call the police, as witnesses are always necessary.
Choosing not to seek the advice of an experienced attorney
After the police, the next professional on your mind should always be an experienced attorney. Again, do not think you can carry out negotiations with the insurance company alone. Mostly, huge organizations try to get out of paying much if anything to the victim. In such cases, an attorney can help you.
Several law firms in every state work for a very nominal fee and fight for accident victims against these insurance companies. Some of them even work on a contingent fee basis, which means you only have to pay them if they win the case. So, get an attorney and the compensation you deserve.
Leaving the scene of the accident.
After being in an accident, our first thought always goes towards the well-being of people involved, as should be the case. But in less serious cases, make sure there is someone to document the scene of the accident and take proper notes and photos for future reference. Also, if you leave the scene in a hurry, the police might think you are guilty and charge you with a hit-and-run.
Do not leave the scene of the accident without proper documentation. These overlooks on your part may cost you later if the opposite party denies some of the losses and damages you have incurred.
Choosing not to seek medical treatment
If you have been in an accident, it is imperative that you visit the emergency room and get yourself checked out, for obvious reasons first. Even if there is no external injury, you might have been hurt internally. So, it is always wise to visit a doctor after being in any kind of accident.
Another reason to seek medical treatment is to document that the accident occurred and take a note of your injuries, if any. While pursuing a claim from the insurance company, these reports will help solidify your position and ensure your ordeal is not treated lightly by anyone. A medical record of the incident is, thus, an essential part of your aftercare.
Posting public information about the accident.
In this era of smartphones, our first instinct after going through a tough ordeal is to share it on social media. We often find people sharing photos from the scene of an accident or even posting live videos during the incident. While this may appear a bold and transparent step, it may harm your interests later.
Anything you post on social media can be used against you. Even if the insurance company seems friendly on face value, know that their chief interest is to pay you as little as possible. So, your oversharing can lead to complications in the case and even cost you a lot of money. Be wise about what you are sharing with the world.
Although it is difficult to think clearly after being in a car accident, these basic steps should always be followed for your health and interest.