It can be challenging to keep your bearings straight after an auto accident. Your mind is probably racing with what-if scenarios, and you want to ensure everything is alright. So before getting out of your vehicle, take a deep breath and consider these mistakes to avoid making after being in a car accident.
Not Calling the Authorities
If an automobile accident is bad enough that you or any other parties believe that insurance companies need to get involved, you definitely want to call the authorities. It’s not about getting anybody in trouble, but you want to have a detailed police report on the incident with witness reports and official documentation. Having this can make things go much more smoothly when you’re discussing the incident with your insurance company, and they need to come to a decision.
Admitting Fault
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid after being in a car accident is admitting fault. This isn’t to imply that you should lie about what happened during the accident. Still, if you admit fault to an officer, your insurance agent, or any other parties, that typically goes on the record and makes things more difficult. You can be honest about the events that lead to the accident without setting yourself up as the perpetrator. The truth is that there are several common causes of car accidents, and you won’t always know what was happening in the other vehicle. It’s a good idea to get the full story before you voluntarily set yourself up as the one at fault.
Failing To Collect Evidence
Your first instinct after a car accident should always be to ensure everybody is safe and unharmed. However, before authorities arrive or while they’re discussing things with other witnesses, you should pull out your phone and take some photos of any damage to your vehicle. Most police officers take pictures of the scene as well. Still, things can go much better with your insurance company if you have some personal photos for your record. They should showcase precisely what happened at the scene of the accident and the extent of the damage to your vehicle.
