Critical Mistakes That Drivers Make After Being in an Automobile Accident

Getting into an automobile accident is a traumatic experience for many victims. Despite the initial stress that occurs in the aftermath of an accident, there are important things that you must do in order to minimize the effects. Here is a list of common mistakes people often make after an automobile accident.

  1. Failing to Notify the Police. Once you have made sure that everyone involved in the accident is safe and you’ve moved your vehicle out of danger, notify the police. A police report should always be filled after an auto accident, especially if someone gets hurt or if there is any type of property damage. The report will have the responding officer’s details about the accident. This will be very helpful as you sort out the paperwork and claims from the accident.
  2. Forgetting to Take Photos. A photograph can be an important piece of evidence for your claim. Try to take photos of the vehicles before anything has been towed away from the scene. Also take photos of the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license. Take pictures of all physical damage to the vehicles, and video footage of you speaking with the other drivers and any witnesses.
  3. Photographic and video evidence can help prove exactly how the accident occurred, and the circumstances leading up to it.
  4. Photos and video can help determine who was at fault.

3. Failure to Get Contact Information. As previously noted, eyewitness testimony is extremely important to determine what happened to cause the accident. Be sure to get the name and phone number of any eye witnesses so that you or your attorney can contact them later to testify on your behalf.

4. Speaking with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company. Avoid immediately speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. You may still be in pain or shock while also trying to process what happened. Many claims adjusters are trained on how to make drivers admit something that they may regret later. The insurance company’s claims adjuster may also want to tape the conversation. You have the legal right to deny their request. You are not mandated to speak with them without speaking to your own insurance company or an attorney first.

5. Not Speaking with a Lawyer. Many victims of car accidents greatly benefit from relying on a car accident lawyer DC trusts. He or she can provide you with legal advice on how to move forward while also protecting your rights. If someone is injured, speaking with an attorney can help you understand how to proceed in regards to issues such as compensation, rehabilitation, and emotional distress. A lawyer can also give you legal advice if the insurance company offers you an unfair settlement or if they deny your claim.

If you have any questions or concerns about a car accident you were recently involved in, a personal injury attorney is an excellent resource for legal guidance.

Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.Thanks to our friends and contributors from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into car accident cases.