10 Things Not to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be sudden, violent events. It’s not uncommon to be in physical pain, in shock, and traumatized after a crash. What many accident victims don’t realize is the actions you take or don’t take immediately after a wreck can affect not just your wellbeing but your legal rights to compensation as well.

The top-rated car crash attorneys of Lichtenstein Law Group, PLC have compiled the top 10 things not to do after a Virginia car accident. Avoiding these missteps after a collision can help protect your legal options to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Keep reading and contact us to learn more in a free consultation.

Don’t Leave the Scene

If you are involved in a Virginia car crash that results in injury, death, or at least $1,500 in property damage, you must stop, share your information with the other driver, render reasonable assistance as necessary, and report the crash to the police.

If you leave the scene of an accident without stopping or notifying the police, you may be charged with a hit-and-run violation. Being charged as a hit-and-run driver is a serious matter. Avoid legal penalties and protect your right to file a personal injury claim by stopping and reporting the crash.

Don’t Neglect to Call 911

In addition to meeting legal requirements, calling 9-1-1 after a crash has several advantages. First responders summoned to the crash can secure the scene and help in multiple ways.

Law enforcement officials can direct traffic and summon other emergency medical services if victims at the scene are incapacitated or unable to call for help. They can also file an accident report.

Police crash reports contain useful information that can be used to support your injury claim for financial compensation. The report may include diagrams of the accident, identifying information for everyone involved, insurance information, toxicology test results, and official findings of fault.

Don’t Forget to Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information for the drivers involved in the accident are essential to preparing insurance claims or crash reports. After a crash, ask for names, contact details, license and registration information, vehicle details, and insurance information from everyone at the scene.

If you don’t have a pen or paper with you at the time of the crash, taking cell phone photographs is a great way to gather important information. If a driver refuses to provide his or her contact and insurance information, wait for the police to arrive and collect the information.

Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault

After a crash, it’s natural for many people to diffuse the tension by saying, “I’m so sorry!” or “I didn’t see you there!” It’s important to avoid these kinds of statements because they may be used against you later.

If you file a claim for compensation, you and your attorney will argue that the other driver was at fault. Their insurance adjuster or defense attorney could argue that your apology was an admission that you were at fault. This could be used to minimize or deny your claim.

Don’t lose your cool at the scene of the accident or during conversations with others about the crash. Being rude or hostile could damage your claim by making others feel defensive and unsympathetic.

Don’t Underestimate the Extent of Your Injuries

Some accident victims try to downplay their own injuries to comfort others at the scene. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured after the crash, you should avoid commenting on your condition at the accident scene or on social media. You should seek prompt medical attention. Your doctor can diagnose any injuries you’ve suffered and recommend the treatment you need to prevent your condition from getting worse. Monitor your condition in the following weeks because some injuries only emerge later.

Seeking medical care and following your doctor’s recommendations will establish a record of your condition and demonstrate that you take your health seriously.

Don’t Forget to Gather Evidence of the Crash

In addition to gathering contact and insurance information from others involved in the crash, don’t forget to document the scene. If any witnesses were present, ask them politely for statements and contact information.

If you can, it’s a good idea to take photos of the accident scene, debris or skid marks on the road, damage to the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you sustained.

Don’t Fail to Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident

Most insurance policies require you to notify your carrier within a certain number of hours or days after a crash. For this reason, it’s best to contact your insurance providers immediately.

When you talk to the insurance company, stick to the facts and avoid volunteering information that the representative doesn’t request. In other words, be careful of what you say. If an insurance adjuster asks you for your opinion or anything you don’t know, just admit that you don’t know.

Don’t Share on Social Media

It’s safest to assume that anything you post on social media can be accessed by anyone at any time, even if your settings are private. For that reason, it’s best to avoid social media entirely while your claim is pending.

Even innocent comments, posts, or photos could be used against you when you file an injury claim. For example, your claim might notify the insurance company that your accident-related injuries have negatively impacted your quality of life. If you share a new smiling selfie online of you having fun with your friends, even if it was taken before the crash, they might be less inclined to believe you.

Don’t Discard Your Medical or Repair Receipts

Medical bills are important evidence of the financial impact of your injuries. By keeping your medical records, hospital bills, and other financial documents, you’ll have the evidence to support your claim for the compensation you deserve.

If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, hang on to repair invoices and other evidence related to the costs you incurred as a result of the crash.

Don’t Delay Contacting an Attorney

The sooner you hire an attorney, the more time they’ll have to prepare a strong argument on your behalf. A lawyer can help you avoid common stumbling blocks that could damage the value of your claim.

Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company before you have legal representation. Your attorney can communicate on your behalf, identify strong evidence to support your claim, and negotiate aggressively to demand fair compensation for your losses.

Contact Lichtenstein Law Group Today

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another motorist in Virginia, the attorneys of Lichtenstein Law Group, PLC are ready to help you. Our legal team has more than a century of experience helping clients with every stage of the accident recovery process. We can provide the trusted legal guidance to help you move forward after a serious injury accident.

Contact us to get started with your free consultation.