The truth about driving is that it’s inherently dangerous. Car accidents are far more common than most people like to believe, and they can happen to anyone, even when they do their best to reduce the risk of a car accident happening. Understanding how to respond to an accident is just as important as understanding how to prevent it.

If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are things that could ruin your car accident claim.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident  

It’s understandable that anyone involved in a car crash will be in a state of panic. However, this doesn’t justify leaving the scene of an accident. Regardless of who caused the collision, both parties are obliged to render aid to others involved in the accident. Fleeing the scene of the accident not only violates that obligation, but it also places victims in serious danger. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor and is punishable by hefty fines and jail time. Sentences can be further aggravated if the abandonment leads to a serious injury or death.

Apologizing

While apologizing might seem like the natural and polite response in this scenario, this is one of the worst things you can do because this will be interpreted as an admission of fault. This is especially damaging to your case if you live in a tort state wherein the at-fault party is liable for all damages and court fees arising from the accident. Insurance companies also use this information.

Failing to Call for Help

Calling for emergency assistance is not just a means to allow first responders to treat the injured, but it also allows police officers to document the circumstances of the accident. This is vital because they are a neutral party that is tasked only to gather information on the circumstance of the accident. This preserves the credibility and objectivity of the reports being presented in court.

Skipping Your Medical Evaluation

Even when you feel completely fine after the accident, there’s no justifiable reason to skip a thorough medical examination. This is because the absence of pain could merely be the effects of adrenaline and victims feel the pain only after the adrenaline wears off. The other reason is that medical examinations serve as a way to thoroughly assess the injuries a victim has sustained. This is important in determining medical fees and damages to be awarded.

Not Hiring a Lawyer

The worst mistake you can ever commit after a car accident is to forego the expertise of a lawyer. While you can indeed represent yourself in your own car accident claim, you’d be depriving yourself of your best chance to secure your compensation. This is because seasoned personal injury lawyers like the ones at the Law Offices of Kamela James, are specially trained at organizing and presenting evidence. Their experience, knowledge, and networks is well worth the asking price, especially when thousands of dollars are on the line.

It’s important to know the things to avoid and the things you should do after a car accident as your actions during this critical moment will have a significant impact on whether your claim prospers. May this information prove helpful when you need it most.