Car accidents are a major problem in the USA and many other places all over the world. They can lead to damaged vehicles, injuries, property damage and even deaths in some incredibly unfortunate circumstances. They can happen due to poor driving, distracted driving, icy conditions and a variety of other reasons.

While there are thankfully no guarantees you will ever be in one, it is a good idea to be a little prepared in case you are. You need to be aware of what to do, and what not to do to help the situation as much as you can. These are incredibly stressful and difficult situations, and being prepared can help you keep a level head and ensure you do what needs to be done.

With that in mind, let’s go over some common mistakes people make after a car accident so you can make sure to avoid them if you ever find yourself in that situation.

Declining Medical Assistance

One major mistake many people make after an accident is turning down medical care. Even if you seem fine, it’s a good idea to get checked out. This is because some symptoms or issues might not show up until later, or you might not notice them. 

Getting checked out by a professional can ensure you are healthy and not suffering any injuries or developing any issues that will worsen with time. Some injuries may take up to multiple weeks before they reveal themselves, so always exercise caution if you’re not sure.

Also, declining medical assistance can make it hard to receive a fair settlement in some cases. Injury lawyers at Harrell & Harrell have handled thousands of auto accident cases and they agree that having medical documentation proving injuries and their severity can be very helpful in getting the compensation you deserve.

Having this documentation and evidence of injury can make it nearly impossible for insurance companies to argue against your claims. If you turned down medical care, it may seem to some as if your injuries weren’t very bad, even if they were.

Not Calling the Police

After many accidents, people will leave without involving the authorities or calling the police to the scene at all. This may be to avoid insurance claims, avoid tickets or simply because they don’t feel it is necessary. But this is generally a bad idea and the police should always be called.

It is wise to call the police to the scene, as they can help gather evidence, find witnesses and ensure everything is done by the book. Having officers there will ensure neither side is being shady or tries to take advantage of or intimidate another person.

The police will also prepare a crash report that can gather and highlight important information, too. While police may not be able to directly help you build a case, the collection of information and statements they gather can help paint a picture of what really occurred, if the other side is making things up or if you need to prove the legitimacy of a particular claim.

Insufficient Gathering of Evidence

While the police will often do a bit of this, it is also crucial for you to gather the right evidence. Despite the importance of this, many people won’t do much except gathering insurance information and going on their way. In addition to insurance, you should also take photos of the vehicles, document any injuries, get the name and information of the other driver, and even document information about the scene.

Getting information from witnesses who saw the accident is also a good idea, along with how to contact them if needed. Without this evidence, it is hard to prove what happened. If there are no photos, videos, or other things you can produce when asked by lawyers or insurance companies, it simply becomes your word against someone else’s.

Waiting to File the Claim

Another mistake people will often make is to take forever to file an insurance claim. You will want to file a claim within a couple of days of the accident occurring, and this is even required in some cases. Failing to report quickly enough could lead to the claim being denied or at best, delayed for a long period of time.

This means that you could lose out on the compensation you deserve if you take too long. After doing things like getting medical attention and gathering evidence, filing should be one of the next things you do. Some insurance companies may also string people along and waste their time, so be sure to get the ball rolling as soon as humanly possible.

If you experience a car accident, it is a good idea to do all you can to avoid these common and potentially costly mistakes.