Every day, there is an average of 16,800 crashes that are reported to the police. The actual number could be higher taking into account those who do not require police assistance or accidents that go unreported.
However, despite the vast number of accidents, the majority of drivers don’t find themselves in incidents on a regular basis. This means there is a high likelihood that when they do, they’re going to make mistakes that make the situation worse.
Let’s take a look at some mistakes people often make when they’ve been involved in a traffic collision.
Not Documenting Everything at the Scene
If you’re able to, you need to document as much as possible for use later on. This includes photos of all involved vehicles, visible damage, injuries, witnesses, the weather and environment, the road surface, and anything else that might be of importance. From here, you need details of the drivers involved, witnesses again, the license plate, insurance information, and contact details.
This is something people can skip due to the nature of the incident, but if you’re able to, you need to gather as much evidence as you can to help you out after the fact.
Saying the Wrong Thing
Here’s the thing: anything you say or do in the aftermath of an accident can be used against you. This means you need to be careful about what you say. “I’m sorry” might feel natural, but it can be an admission of guilt or be used to assign fault. Stick to the facts only, exchange information, and check that everyone is ok. Then leave it there. The same applies to posting on social media. Even posting vaguely about the accident can have complications for you.
Leaving the Scene Too Soon
Even if the accident seems minor and everyone seems to be fine, leaving before you’ve properly exchanged details and assessed the situation is a mistake. Injuries don’t always show up immediately, and damage that looks superficial at the scene can turn out to be something more extensive on closer inspection.
If there are injuries, make sure emergency services have been contacted before anyone leaves, as this can carry serious legal consequences.
Trusting the Insurance Company To Do Right By You
Insurance companies are businesses, and you need to expect that they will run this way once you open a claim. Their main focus will be on settling claims as quickly and as cheaply as possible; a fast settlement might seem like a relief, but accepting it before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages can mean walking away with far less than you’re actually entitled to.
Before you talk to your insurance company about settlements, it’s always a good idea to talk to a car accident lawyer to help you understand how claims work, what you can expect to be compensated for, and what a fair settlement looks like for your circumstances.
Never feel pressured by your insurance company to accept the first offer. This is simply a starting point from which you can move forward. And always be cautious about giving recorded statements, as these will be used to determine fault and impact what happens next, including payouts.
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