Car accidents are chaotic and overwhelming. Even if the accident is not your fault, you can have mixed feelings and anxiety about what will happen next.
During these confusing times, you may be unsure of what to do after an auto accident. Therefore, these are four mistakes you should avoid when you get into a car accident.
Refusing medical attention
During an accident, your adrenaline runs high, which can mask pain. You may not feel an injury for days after the incident. Therefore, whether you think you got injured or not, you should seek medical attention. A doctor can save your life by finding problems you may not even feel.
Not reporting the accident
As soon as you can, you should call the police. Your state may also require that you inform the DMV of the accident. Finally, you need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
Not gathering evidence
At the scene, you should gather contact information from any witnesses in addition to the insurance and contact information of everyone involved in the accident. Then, you should take photographs of the scene, including the damage done to each vehicle. You should also write down your thoughts and perspective on what happened.
Admitting fault
Whether you feel as if you were at fault or not, do not admit it. Avoid saying too much to the police or the other drivers because they could misconstrue your words into an admission of guilt. You may not know everything that was going on, so do not inhibit the investigation, but do not admit any wrongdoing on your part.
To handle the aftermath of an accident, remain calm and take a minute to get your bearings before taking any action.