The moments after a car accident are often traumatic and disorienting. Most people won’t be in the state of mind to make the best decisions or avoid common mistakes. And missteps in the aftermath of the collision, particularly if one or both parties are injured, can lead to legal trouble that obstructs your ability to recover both physically and financially.
As a result, it’s just as important to know what not to do after a car accident as it is to understand the correct steps. Below are a few common post-collision pitfalls to watch out for, so you’re better equipped if you’re ever in this situation.
Mistake #1: Moving Your Car Before the Police Arrive
Should you move your car after an accident? The answer’s often more complicated than a simple yes or no. Generally, if it’s clear who’s at fault for the collision and the vehicle isn’t totaled, then it’s often best to move it out of the normal flow of traffic. That frees you to talk with the other driver while avoiding causing additional traffic accidents.
However, there are situations where moving your car off the road is inadvisable, especially after more serious collisions. Those situations are:
- When your vehicle has been totaled.
- When moving the vehicle could exacerbate injuries.
- When debris from the accident prevents movement.
Additionally, there are circumstances where the accident becomes a crime scene. If someone dies, flees the scene, or is determined to have been driving under the influence, the police will use the placement of the cars to recreate the incident during their investigation.
Mistake #2: Giving a Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
One of the most damaging mistakes to avoid after a car accident is speaking to the other driver’s insurance without consulting your own or getting legal counsel first. A claim adjuster’s first priority is to minimize potential costs and settle cases as quickly as possible. As a result, they’re trained to provoke statements that admit fault, which makes knowing what not to say after a car accident or truck accident just as vital as knowing what not to do.
Even simple phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can drastically affect the amount of any potential settlement. Saying the wrong thing can even make you liable to pay a portion of the expenses that you might not have had to otherwise. Speaking with an attorney or your insurance carrier after a collision helps you make the most informed decisions about your official statement.
Mistake #3: Not Taking Photos
Documenting the scene of a car accident, ideally before anything has moved, is crucial for proving that you’re not the one at fault. Phone cameras make this process much easier, but in the disorienting aftermath of a collision, it can be easy to make this common mistake after a car accident. Without visual evidence, it becomes your word against the other driver’s, and the shock of the event can lead to drastically different recollections of how it occurred.
It’s a good practice to take pictures of everything that may be relevant to your case as soon as you can. Document the damage to your cars, personal injuries, the area around the crash, and even witness statements to best support your version of events.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah
Even if you know what not to do after a car accident, it’s still a complicated situation that’s difficult to navigate by yourself, especially if you’re injured. Ipson Law is a Utah-based personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting your rights and helping ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve recently experienced a personal injury in a collision but are unsure how to proceed, get in touch for guidance on your next steps. Contact us for a free consultation from our experienced legal team.
Michael is an attorney who started Ipson Law because of his passion for personal injury law. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, CA. Learn more about Michael on our about us page, and contact Ipson Law to find out how we can help you.
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