3 Mistakes To Avoid At The Scene Of The Car Accident
When you are at the scene of the car accident, how you act can have serious consequences for you in a variety of different manners. After a car accident, you should not admit fault or apologize, you should never agree to not report the accident to the authorities, and you shouldn't ignore your injuries.
Mistake #1: Don't Admit Fault in Any Way
At the scene of an accident, you need to be really careful with your words. You need to make sure that you don't say anything that could be taken as you admitting fault. Admitting fault can be subtle. You don't have to say, "It was my fault" to admit fault. Saying something like, "I should have been driving slower" or "I should have been paying more attention" could be taken as you admitting and accepting fault for the accident, even if the accident was not your fault and you are not just trying to rationalize what happened.
Also, it is natural to apologize when something bad happens, like an accident. However, keep your apologies to yourself. Apologizing can be seen, once again, as another way of admitting that you are at fault.
Be very careful with your words. Normal sympathizing and apologizing can be taken as you admitting fault after a car accident.
Mistake #2: Don't Agree to Not Report the Accident
Sometimes after an accident, the other driver will try to get you to not report the accident. They may ask you not to call the police or not to report the accident to your insurance company. You should not accept either offer.
Failing to report an accident could cause you to be charged with a hit and run. You could face legal consequences for not reporting an accident.
You don't want to avoid reporting the accident to your insurance company. The other driver could offer to pay for the damage to your vehicle, but you don't know how much damage your car has actually sustained. You also don't know the extent of your physical injuries. Reporting the accident to your insurance company is the best way to ensure that you get the compensation and support that you pay for.
Mistake #3: Don't Ignore Your Injuries
Finally, do not ignore your injuries. After a car accident, it is common to have adrenaline pumping through your body. This can cause you to not notice the extent of your injuries. That is why it is always best to go and get medical attention to the accident, because you may not notice the injuries that you sustained until well after the accident.
After a car accident, you need to watch how you act at the scene of the accident. You can check on the other driver to make sure that they are okay and to exchange information, but you should never admit fault in any way to the other driver. You should never agree to not call the police or report the accident to the authorities. You also need to make sure that you take care of yourself, and don't ignore your injuries.
For more information, contact your local motorcycle accident attorney.