5 Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident

Being injured in a car accident can be a very stressful and traumatic experience. It’s not surprising that many people get caught up in the moment and end up saying or doing things that they shouldn’t when they are at the scene of the accident. This is especially true for people who have never been in a car accident before and also for those folks who have never dealt with the legal system after suffering an injury in Savannah. It’s essential to learn as much as possible about what to do after a car crash. However, it’s just as important to know what common mistakes you should avoid if you’ve been in an accident. Here, we discuss common mistakes people make after car accidents:

1. Not Calling The Police

People think that if an accident doesn’t appear very serious, they shouldn’t call the police. It’s never a good idea to handle the situation on your own. Anytime you’re in an accident, it’s important to call the police so a report of the incident can be created. Additionally, the authorities might be able to collect other evidence, such as photos or videos that may be available. It’s also important to obtain the name and contact information of the at-fault driver and other eyewitnesses. If the other driver was at fault and receives a traffic ticket from the police, this could be helpful to your case as well. Calling the authorities is something you should do in order to protect yourself from false claims and accusations.

2. Apologizing

For many people, apologizing when something goes wrong, even if it isn’t their fault, is second nature. This is never a good idea after a car accident. In many circumstances, what you say and do on the scene can and will be used against you if you end up in court. In some circumstances, apologies are barred from being introduced as evidence, but not always. For example, under Florida law, any gesture expressing sympathy cannot be used in court against you. However, there’s a blurry line between what’s considered expressing sympathy and when it turns into admitting fault. If you say sorry and the judge determines that it was also an admission of guilt, this could be introduced in court, which could significantly affect your chances of winning the suit and receiving compensation.

3. Refusing Medical Care

If you’re ever in a car accident, you should absolutely make sure you receive medical care. Even if you don’t seem to be injured or feel hurt, it’s a good idea to get yourself checked out. Many injuries don’t hurt right away or aren’t visible to the naked eye. This is especially true when your adrenaline is high from the accident. If you delay your medical treatment, this could affect your case if you decide to file one.

4. Posting On Social Media

Most people today use social media to share much of their lives. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, you should never post anything about a car accident or your potential lawsuit on social media. Any experienced attorney will likely scour your social media accounts, searching for something to use that will make you seem like you’re lying or exaggerating your claims. Don’t give them this ammunition.

5. Settling Too Quickly

Insurance companies often try to settle cases very quickly, preferably before you’ve even had a chance to speak with a lawyer. It’s almost always a bad idea to accept their first settlement offer. Once you agree to a settlement, the case is closed; you cannot go back and request further compensation. You should always speak with a lawyer before accepting any type of deal or agreement with an insurance company.

Find an Experienced Attorney

Any time you are in a car accident, one of the first things you should do once you’ve made sure that you’re safe and healthy is speak with experienced car accident lawyers in Savannah. The right attorney can assist you in every step of the case, including what to do and what not to do after the accident, ensuring that you have a positive outcome if you file a claim.