After you’re involved in a car accident, there are specific steps you must take to ensure your own safety, the safety of the other driver, or anyone else involved in the collision, and you properly documented the scene for law enforcement and insurance reasons. On the other hand, there are some things that you should never do after a crash.
The following are the five common things to avoid after being involved in a car accident:
- Flee the scene. What if you were involved in an accident, but the damages are only minor at most and no one appears to be injured? Is it fine to drive away? Absolutely not! You must always stop, check on the other person involved, exchange insurance information, and report the accident to law enforcement. Not doing so is considered a crime in North Carolina.
- Fail to call 911. Many people believe that if no one is injured in a collision, it is not necessary to notify law enforcement and report it. If you don’t obtain a police report documenting your accident, what proof do you possess that it even happened at all? A police report can actually speed up the claims process as well.
- Lose your temper. A car accident is often a stressful and overwhelming event to experience. Your emotions are running high and there is a possibility that you are injured. Yelling and blaming the other driver will not do you, or anyone involved, any good. You must take deep breaths and remain composed. You will need to be in a calm frame of mind to assess the situation and do everything necessary to document the accident properly.
- Fail to document the scene. Do not forget to document the accident and obtain the appropriate insurance information from the other driver. You must gather the other driver’s name, address, insurance provider, coverage policy number, and the other vehicle’s license plate number. Take pictures of the damage done to both vehicles, the injuries sustained by each party, the streets where the accident took place, as well as the road and weather conditions.
- Neglect the follow-up procedures. While dealing with a car accident right after it occurs is difficult enough, you must follow up on everything. Ensure that your insurance claim is registered immediately and know what your own insurance covers right away, so you don’t have to pay for a rental right out of your own pocket. If you were injured and are suffering lingering pain, you must see a doctor immediately to investigate the severity of your injury.
Lastly, do not forget to get in touch with an attorney if you believe you are facing huge medical costs. And if the other driver is threatening legal action against you, having a lawyer on your side will allow you to protect your rights and best interests.
Contact our Raleigh and Durham personal injury lawyer at Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC today.