Thousands of motor vehicle accidents happen every day in the United States. An accident can happen to you or a loved one in the blink of an eye, at no fault of your own.
Getting into an auto accident can be stressful, especially if you or someone in your vehicle has been injured. Taking the first crucial steps to report your accident and seek help for injuries is important — and so is knowing what not to do.
At Florin|Roebig law firm, our award-winning car accident attorneys are committed to getting our clients the compensation they may be owed after an accident. If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident, avoid doing the following:
1. Driving Away From the Car Wreck
Leaving the scene of an accident after getting into a car crash could be a crime. It’s important to first stop and assess the situation even if you don’t believe any harm’s been done.
While this is a common practice in hit-and-run accidents, failing to stop and leaving the accident scene can be punishable as either a misdemeanor or felony charge. In fact, most states require you to remain at the scene of the accident by law.
For example, in Florida, car accident victims are required to remain on the side of the road or otherwise near the accident until they have fulfilled all legal requirements, according to the Florida Legislature.
2. Forgetting To Collect Information
After getting into a motor vehicle accident, don’t forget to get the personal and insurance information of all others involved in the accident. Get as much information as possible from other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.
Collect the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Cell phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate numbers
- The name of their auto insurance company and policy number(s)
Many people are disoriented after getting into a crash. This is normal. However, you’ll need to exchange information with other involved motorists for two reasons. First, in order to file an insurance claim with your insurance adjuster. Second, to seek compensation from the auto insurance company of the at-fault driver.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, consider exchanging information with them as well. Having more than yourself to attest to your version of events may prove useful if the at-fault driver or their insurance company is uncooperative.
In addition, your lawyer may reach out to them later on to take down a formal recorded statement to give to the insurance provider as evidence for your claim.
3. Deciding Not To Call 9-1-1
Ensuring your safety and that of others involved in the accident is the number one priority after getting into an auto accident. If you or someone else has been seriously injured, call 9-1-1 right away.
If you’re unsure whether someone’s injury is serious, but they appear to be very dizzy, out of it, or going in and out of consciousness — play it safe and call for emergency medical attention. Leaving serious injuries untreated may cause the injury to worsen, risking permanent injury or death, as well as hefty medical bills in the long run.
4. Leaving Without Contacting The Police
Even in instances of minor accidents, like fender benders, contacting local authorities to report the accident may be necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Any broken car parts or shrapnel left in the road could pose a hazard to others.
Getting a police officer on scene to file an accident report can also offer clarity and help ensure there is a thorough write-up of what happened. Having a police report can be useful for collecting contact information and having details about the accident on record.
In addition, if the accident is severe enough to have caused any injury or vehicle damage, neglecting to call the police to report the accident may be punishable by law.
After speaking to the law enforcement officer, be sure to get their contact information, such as their name, phone number, and badge number in case you need to reach them later.
5. Underestimating How Bad You’ve Been Hurt
It’s always best to get checked out by a doctor after an accident as soon as possible. If you or someone else has been left with noticeable injuries after a crash, consider going to an urgent care center or hospital to get treated.
Otherwise, reach out to your primary physician to get a physical assessment right away. Not all car accident injuries are noticeable right away, but may become worse if left untreated. Whiplash and head injuries, for instance, may not always show major symptoms until hours or days after an accident.
In addition, your insurance adjuster may require that you seek medical treatment within a certain amount of time after an accident in order to have your expenses eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Not seeking medical care in a timely manner is a common reason for denying personal injury claims. This leaves room for an insurance agent to show that the injuries may not have been caused by the accident.
6. Admitting Fault Without Having All The Facts
Many people who get into an accident feel the need to apologize and accept some percentage of fault for the crash. This is a mistake.
Any declaration of fault can be used against you, the other driver, or either of your insurance companies. This may affect whether you’re able to receive compensation from an insurance policy for personal injury and property damage, and the amount.
Before making a statement of fault, contact a personal injury attorney who has experience handling car accident cases. An attorney can assess your situation and give you guidance on how to prepare a statement based on the details of your case.
7. Speaking To The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Without A Lawyer
If possible, don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting a car accident lawyer. Not every insurance company that handles car accident cases operates in good faith, and your best interests may not be their concern.
A car accident lawyer can either help you craft a statement for the other driver’s insurance company, or speak to the car insurance company on your behalf. Consulting a lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and avoid having to dispute a denied or undervalued claim.
8. Neglecting To Report The Accident To Your Own Insurance Company
Unlike the other driver’s insurance company, your own auto insurance company is one of the first numbers you should call after an accident.
You will need to report your accident to your insurance carrier and file an accident claim to receive coverage. Failing to report your accident in a timely manner may give your insurance company legal grounds to deny your claim, depending on coverage details listed in your insurance policy.
Disclaimer: Be careful that you don’t indicate any degree of fault. Be honest about what happened, but keep the details general until you’ve consulted a car accident attorney.
9. Leaving The Scene Without Taking Photos
Begin collecting evidence of the accident after you’ve attended to immediate safety concerns and exchanged information with the other driver. This includes taking photos of the scene of the accident, the other driver’s license plate, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
Photos of the accident scene can become crucial to your case, showing details such as:
- skid marks
- whether you had your hazard lights on
- positions of the vehicles
- road conditions
While law enforcement will also be required to gather evidence for a police report, it can be helpful to have your own documentation as well.
Note the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as details regarding the seriousness of the accident and how you believe it occurred.
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10. Not Contacting A Car Accident Attorney
One of the biggest mistakes a person can make after getting into an auto accident that has caused injury to yourself or others is to not contact a personal injury attorney.
A personal injury attorney with car accident experience can provide you with legal guidance on how to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. They can also determine whether you have a case to file a lawsuit against the other driver for personal injury.
A car accident attorney can also offer the following advantages:
- Talk to your insurance carrier and that of the other driver on your behalf.
- Help you file an auto accident claim with your insurance company.
- Determine whether you have the legal grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Collect evidence to support your case.
- Consult legal and auto experts.
- Fight for a settlement that reflects what you deserve for your injuries.
- Establish a strong attorney-client relationship you can count on for your case.
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Get Legal Advice After A Car Accident Today
At Florin|Roebig law firm, our award-winning legal team can provide you with top-notch legal guidance and help you determine your legal options. With decades of experience in car accident cases, our reputation speaks for itself and we are ready to put our legal skills to work on your case.
Don’t wait to learn what a personal injury lawyer from our firm may be able to do for you. Contact Florin|Roebig law firm online or by calling today to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.
