Common Mistakes After Car Accident

Each year, millions of auto accidents occur all across the United States. While the aftermath of some collisions can be devastating, many of the mistakes people make following a car accident can worsen the situation. Whether it’s a simple fender bender or a fatal wreck, avoiding these common mistakes after a car accident can help you when dealing with your insurance company and pursuing a legal claim down the road.

1. Leaving the scene of an accident

Car accidents can have you feeling anxious in the blink of an eye. While it’s common to panic after a collision, it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident. The best thing to do when you find yourself in a car accident is to remain calm and wait for first responders to arrive. Fleeing the scene of a wreck, no matter how minor, will only make your situation worse. Therefore, it’s important to stay calm and stay at the scene.

2. Unsuccessfully exchanging all details about the accident

It’s extremely important to always exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If applicable, request the contact information from any witnesses that saw the crash occur. This will be highly beneficial if you need to take legal action against the driver and their insurance company. Consequently, make sure as much accurate information makes it into the police report and ask for a copy of the report. If you come across any incorrect information on the report, get it changed to accurately depict the car accident. Whether you choose to pursue legal action or not, it’s important to have the information on file in case later on you are more seriously injured from the accident than you originally thought.

3. Not reporting the accident

Even if your auto accident is just a minor incident, always report the collision to the police. It’s never in your best interest to let the other driver convince you to avoid the hassle of calling law enforcement officers to the scene. Even if the other driver doesn’t want to report the accident, failure to report the accident and exchanging information can result in the other driver falsely accusing you of a hit and run later on.

4. Failure to receive medical attention

No matter how “fine” you may seem or feel following a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention. Without a medical background, you are unable to evaluate yourself after a crash. It’s in your best interest to undergo a full checkup, especially if you may have hit your head during the collision. Only a medical professional can grant you a clean bill of health.

5. Not contacting an attorney

It’s important to note that just because you may have car insurance, doesn’t mean that contacting an attorney isn’t a smart idea. Seeking compensation or just the act of filing an insurance claim can be a complex task. An experienced attorney who specializes in auto accidents, such as Peter Porcaro, can represent you and offer legal advice. Furthermore, Peter can assist with extensive paperwork and details of your legal claim as you focus on recovering from your physical and emotional injuries.

Auto accidents can be a frightening experience no matter how minor or severe. After a collision, you may have been justifiably upset of seriously injured. Peter Porcaro is an experienced auto accident attorney who will help you deal with any issues needed to get you the best possible settlement. Call or email us today to start a conversation. We’ll do everything we can to get the best outcome for you and everyone involved.