Five things NOT to do after a car accident
Accidents can bring out the worst in people. If you don’t handle crisis well, you can become flustered, emotional, panicky and easily overwhelmed when dealing with the fall out of a car wreck. Never fear! We’ve assembled the top five things NOT to do after a car accident. After all, in moments of panic, sometimes it is easier to focus on the things you shouldn’t do than the things you should!
1. DON’T flee the scene of the accident.
Whether you back into someone’s parked car or get into a fender bender in traffic, it’s tempting to bury your head in the sand and hit the gas to get yourself out of an uncomfortable situation as soon as possible. This only creates more legal trouble for yourself, not to mention the other person involved may need help seeking medical attention. Do the right thing and remain on scene.
2. DON’T forget to call the police.
People often forget this crucial step of dealing with a car accident. In minor accidents, especially, it is tempting to deal with the other party and the insurance companies yourself. Resist that temptation! A police report can go a long way to establish who is at fault for the accident. An official write up of exactly what happened is priceless, no matter how straightforward you think the incident might have been.
3. DON’T admit fault.
Polite society requires us to constantly apologize for things we’ve done, regardless of whether we were really at fault. It’s tempting to apologize to the person you collided with when dealing with the fallout, but resist. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be honest! However, it is important to wait until a thorough investigation has been completed to determine who was at fault.
4. DON’T speak to the insurance companies without an attorney.
It’s in the insurance company’s best interest to get you to settle for the least amount of money possible. Any phone call made with the company will likely be recorded, and the statements you make without a lawyer can come back to haunt you later. Instead, opt for an experienced car accident attorney who can handle the insurance company on your behalf.
5. DON’T decline to hire an attorney.
If you were injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, it may be in your best interest to hire a car accident lawyer. Even the simplest of situations can become complicated when insurance companies get involved. Don’t hesitate on whether or not you need a lawyer – if you’re questioning whether you need one, you probably do.
Do You Need a Virginia Auto Accident Lawyer?
The Virginia auto accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has helped victims of accidents for over 33 years. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights. If you’d like to discuss your situation, contact us to setup a free consultation 877-544-5323.