Personal Injury: What Not To Do When In A Car Accident

No one dreams of getting into a car accident, yet they remain unfortunate. In the event that you experience one, it's normal to feel disoriented and overwhelmed. To minimize the stress associated with such situations, you need to know what not to do when in a car accident.

We reviewed the website of this Austin car accident attorney and found that there are several things that you should avoid doing when involved in a car accident.

What Not To Do When in a Car Accident

It’s essential to follow all of Austin’s laws regarding motor vehicle accidents, especially if you’ve suffered an injury.

Do not leave the scene of a car accident: You should pull over to the side of the road and exchange information with the other driver. You can assess the damage and determine if it is necessary to call 911 or law enforcement. You should always notify local police, even if it’s a less severe accident.

Do not assume you are okay:
It would be best to always have a medical assessment immediately after a car accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or head injuries, are not evident immediately. You will need medical documentation of any injuries for your insurance company.

Do not forget to exchange information: Never drive away from the scene of an accident without obtaining the other driver’s personal and insurance information. The best way to gather this information is to take a picture. You will need their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and their insurance company's name.

Do not hesitate to call 911: A car accident is a scary experience. Ensuring that everyone is safe should be your top priority. Sometimes, it can be challenging to determine if someone is seriously injured. If you have any doubts, call 911. Leaving serious injuries unattended can lead to severe consequences.

Do not admit fault: Many people feel the need to apologize and assume some of the responsibilities when they have been in a car accident. It would help never to make statements about being at fault because they can be used against you. These statements may also affect whether you can receive compensation from an insurance company.

Do not speak to other driver’s insurance companies without a lawyer: You should consult a car accident lawyer before contacting the other driver’s insurance company. The lawyer can help you with a statement, or they can speak on your behalf.

Do not wait to call a car accident attorney: One of the most expensive mistakes people make is not to contact a personal injury lawyer. A car accident attorney has experience dealing with insurance companies, and they can advise you if you should file a lawsuit against the other driver for personal injury.

Do not wait to contact your own insurance company: You must report the accident to your insurance company as promptly as possible. Explain what happened, but in general terms, and not before you’ve spoken to your car accident attorney.

Do not leave without calling the police: It is always in your best interest to call the local police when you are involved in a car accident. The police officer can file a write-up of the accident, which will be beneficial when dealing with your insurance company or lawyer. You should obtain the contact information of the police officer.

Do not leave without photos: You should have as much documentation as possible. Photograph the accident scene, the vehicle damage, and any injuries. You may pursue a personal injury lawsuit where photographs of the accident will be crucial. You can photograph skid marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions.

Final Thoughts

No driver wants to have a car accident, but if it happens, you should know what to do and not do. Following these guidelines can help you avoid a stressful ordeal.

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Posted - 03/17/2023