After a road accident, it’s important to know what to do in order to avoid further complications. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes in the aftermath of an accident that can end up costing them dearly. Here are some things you should avoid doing after a road accident.

Admitting Fault 

One thing to always be sure not to do after an accident is to admit fault. The attorneys working at www.curcio-law.com say that you should never do this, even if you’re sure of it because you’re still in a state of shock and there may be more to the situation. It can be tempting to take the blame in a moment of panic, but it’s important to note that no amount of apologies or self-incrimination is legally binding and could be used against you later on in a legal case. 

If you find yourself in an accident, don’t get caught up trying to absolve yourself.  Instead, focus on seeing if anyone needs medical attention and gathering information like the police report number or insurance information. Save any admission of wrongdoing for your legal counsel’s office once the details have been sorted out.

Leaving The Scene

When it comes to an accident, leaving the scene is never a good idea. Being accountable and staying on the site until professional help arrives is the responsible thing to do. Not only are you liable for any damage caused, but walking away from an accident can also lead to criminal charges. 

Even if it feels like the right thing at the moment, try not to lose your cool or leave without exchanging information with other parties involved. In many cases, hitting and running is illegal, so it’s important to make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities in order to avoid further complications down the line.

Conversely, you should never let the other party flee either because it implies that you are trying to cover up the accident, or worse, encouraging them to avoid responsibility. If they leave, inform the police and provide as much information as possible regarding their vehicle and whereabouts. 

Failing To Document The Event

After any kind of accident, it’s important to document the event in detail. This includes the following: 

• medical information
• insurance information
• eyewitness accounts
• official reports 
• license plate numbers
• photos and videos

Without a comprehensive record of the who, what, where, and when of the accident, you might miss out on being properly compensated or receiving the necessary resources to help you during your recovery period. Failing to document every step of an accident can also leave room for people to take advantage of a difficult situation. 

Therefore, make sure to jot down all that you can remember at the time and stay organized with any paperwork related to the accident. Doing so will not only help support your case down the road but also give you peace of mind.

Neglecting The Authorities

If you are ever in the unfortunate situation of being involved in an accident, it is important to remember to get the authorities involved. Generally, after an incident, you should call the police or paramedics for help and contact your insurance company. 

In many cases, even if there was no damage or injury, it may still be necessary to file a report with local law enforcement. Beyond containing potential legal obligations, these reports also serve as useful evidence that can help bolster your case when filing an insurance claim.  

Discarding Damaged Property 

It’s important to remember that what may look like damaged property at first glance could actually be a part of the accident, and should not be disposed of so quickly. However damaging, you should never throw away any physical material or evidence pertaining to your accident as this can have legal implications in claiming damages that could impact a successful settlement. 

Accidents are chaotic and stressful events and sometimes it is understandable to be quick to discard damaged parts of your vehicle or belongings. However, try to take pause and preserve everything until the police arrive. 

Handling The Process Alone 

After an accident, the last thing you want to deal with is the lengthy process of filing a claim and sorting out any legal documents. Legal documents are hard to read and understand, so having help is essential. 

Though it may seem convenient to handle all aspects of this process by yourself as soon as possible, it could prevent you from receiving the best support and benefits available. Without seeking legal advice from a lawyer or speaking to an insurance representative, you might miss out on your rightfully due compensation. 

Hopefully, this article has given you a few things to think about if you are unfortunate enough to be in an accident. It can be a confusing and emotional time, but it is important to try and stay calm and collected. Remember, there are certain things that you should not do after an accident, such as admitting fault or leaving the scene. If you follow these tips, hopefully dealing with the aftermath of the accident will be a little bit easier for you.

Published by HOLR Magazine.