Things to Avoid After a Car Accident

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that you have a 1 in 107 chance of being in a car accident every year. Those odds might not seem likely until you or someone you know is involved in a tragic accident. 

When it does, the immediate steps you take afterward are crucial and can hugely impact everything from your health to your finances.

If you’re unprepared, navigating a personal injury claim after an accident can be daunting, and a slip-up can have dire consequences on your case’s outcomes. But worry not! Here’s the rundown on car accident dos and don’ts. 

Car Accident Dos and Don’ts

It might be overwhelming to deal with the situation, but it is important to know what the things are that you have to do and things you should avoid doing.

So, here is a list of car accident dos and don’ts that you have to follow. Let’s start with the don’ts.

Things You Should Avoid After a Car Accident

Knowing the things you should be avoiding is helpful in this situation. even though it might be tempting to flee the scene and not deal with any of it might seem tempting, you should not do that. here are the things that you should avoid.

Fleeing the Scene

After you have been in a car crash, it is tempting to just hit the gas and escape all that ensuing hassle. That may not be such a good idea. 

Dipping out post-collision isn’t just frowned upon; it’s illegal in Indiana. Under Indiana law, you must stop and stay at the scene if there’s property damage or injuries.

Failure to stick around can result in criminal charges and seriously damage any potential claims you might make later. It also could put you on the wrong side of liability even when you may not have been at fault. 

Failing to Report to the Police

In Indiana, if a car crash results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, it’s mandatory to report it. If officers show up and take over, that box gets checked for you. But discuss why dodging this step can hamper more than your compliance with state laws.

A police report is key in an accident, capturing everything from weather conditions to witness accounts. This isn’t just official paperwork; it’s your ace when negotiating with insurance companies who thrive on details.

Not Seeking Medical Attention

Evading a check-up after a car accident might seem fine if you feel okay, but it’s like playing roulette with your health. 

Accident injuries can be sneaky, worsening over time if not immediately addressed. Plus, delaying medical attention makes it tougher to prove that your injuries resulted directly from the accident.

Ideally, getting checked on the day of the crash sets a clear link between the event and any injuries discovered.

If you wait too long or skip it altogether, insurance companies might argue those injuries came from something else entirely or aren’t as severe as claimed. 

Sharing Too Much Information

Posting details or seemingly innocent updates about your accident can backfire. Insurers or opposing lawyers might twist your words or use those sunny poolside pics to dispute the severity of your injuries.

Chatting too freely with the defendant’s lawyer can also trip you up. They’re skilled at mining information that could weaken your claim, often using casual chats as their goldmine. Instead, keep details tight-lipped and direct all communications through your personal injury lawyer. 

Not Hiring a Lawyer

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident solo can significantly reduce your chances of a fair recovery.

“Without legal representation, you’re not just at a disadvantage; you’re practically handing your rights away on a silver platter. A lawyer can level the playing field against the big insurance companies,” says Indiana personal injury lawyer David W. Holub.

Legal complexities can baffle even the sharpest minds. A lawyer’s knowledge is not just useful but essential for untangling the web of claims, settlements, and negotiations. 

In a nutshell, skipping out on professional counsel could cost more than peace of mind—it might also mean losing out on rightful compensation.

Things You Should Do

It might seem like a lot doing anything at that moment, but you have to be alert. Here are the things that you should do after you have been in an accident.

Check for Injuries

The moment you feel okay, check yourself for injuries. Not all your wounds would be bleeding, so try moving your legs and arms to figure out whether you have injured yourself anywhere else.

Control Bleeding

If you have a bleeding would, you have to try to stop the blood flow. Tie a cloth an inch above the wound that is bleeding. Moreover, you can try to press a piece of cloth directly on the wound. Use your palm and not your fingers to apply pressure.

Call for Help

If there are other people injured in the accident, immediately ask for help from the people around you. Locals would be the first to help you out. Then, make the necessary phone calls. First for medical help, then the police, and then your insurance helpline.

Click Pictures

When you have checked the scene and nobody needs immediate medical attention, then take a few pictures of the scene. This will help you afterwards when you claim for insurance. 

Wrapping Up!

Accidents are never a pretty sight. Moreover, when you are involved in one, you have to take care of a lot of things. Dealing with the injury, the damage caused, and finding out who was at fault, takes a lot.

The insurance company will take care of the treatment cost and the damages caused to others. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, it will take care of your medical expenses. However, you must be aware of car accident dos and don’ts.

Read More

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