4 Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident
After a car accident, people are overcome with stress and anxiety. This can lead to irrational thinking, as many may want to leave the accident scene and go back to a routine where danger and fear are gone. Unfortunately, this kind of rash thinking makes people commit plenty of mistakes after a car accident, some that even come with a price tag. Here are four mistakes people make after a car accident:
Mistake 1: Failing to Report Accident to the Police
If you are in a car accident, you must call the police to report the accident and get statements written down, so you can reference this information if deciding to pursue compensation. Oftentimes, a person may not want to get the police involved, especially if the liable party offers to pay damages or pleads to not get the police involved for a number of reasons (i.e. “I will get my license taken away!”). However, if you don’t get the police involved, this may be a mistake with consequences such as: you can’t track the liable driver down, the money exchanged does not cover repairs, etc. Report your accident to the police, no matter what.
Mistake 2: Underestimating Injuries
In a car crash, the body releases adrenaline, which leads many to feel little to no pain while adrenaline courses through the body. Because of this, many may say they have no injuries or are fine after a car accident. When the adrenaline rubs off and you may resume your normal activities, injuries may start to show. Never say you aren’t injured or are fine after a car accident, as later on if you are injured and seek medical treatment, insurance companies will bring up your earlier statements of having no injuries.
Mistake 3: Admitting Fault
If you were in a car accident where the other driver was liable, do not in any way shape or form, use phrases that could be determined to admit fault. These phrases sound like:
- “I’m sorry
- “I tried to slow down”
- “I didn’t see you
By using these phrases, you may end up putting liability on yourself. If you seek compensation, these statements may end up being used against you.
Mistake 4: Not Acting Soon Enough
After a car accident, you’ll want to get medical treatment and evaluation, learn about repairs to your car, and talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Waiting is not advised when it comes to a car accident, as there is a statute of limitations. If too much time passes between a car accident and when you decide to file a claim, you may have a difficult time finding an experienced lawyer who will take the case on.
Car accidents can be devastating, but it’s up to you to act quickly. If you were in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, act quickly and file a personal injury claim. To consult a personal injury attorney in Ontario, contact Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel.