Going through a car accident can be a devastating experience. In addition to repairing or replacing your vehicle, you likely have injuries that keep you from work and the other activities you enjoy.
The time at the scene and the days following the accident are critical. Sometimes skipping one of these crucial steps can significantly impact your recovery from the accident.
Here are a few common mistakes you should avoid after a car accident.
Not calling police
In some cases, it can be tempting to get information from the other driver and then move on with your day, especially if no one has any obvious or significant injuries. Regardless of the accident’s severity, you should call the police to report the accident.
The police report is an essential part of the process after an accident since the police will collect information such as:
- Contact information from everyone involved
- An objective description of the scene
- Reports from everyone involved
- Evidence from the scene
Additionally, police can take witness statements. The police report will be essential for your personal injury claim. You may also need to provide the information to your car insurance company.
Admitting fault
There are a lot of emotions surrounding a car accident. It can be almost instinctual to let out an empathetic “I’m sorry” when you are talking to the other person on the side of the road. Determining fault is an integral part of a personal injury claim, and a well-intentioned comment can be difficult to challenge.
Skipping the doctor’s office
You may not need the emergency room after your accident, but you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not have severe injuries, visiting the doctor can establish the timeline for your injuries and what you need to recover.
There are many pieces to a successful personal injury claim, so it is essential to have skilled support to help you through the process.