What should you do after a car accident to protect your health, finances, and legal rights? This is an important question. Your actions immediately after an accident can have a huge impact. They can affect your ability to recover damages.
Unfortunately, many people make mistakes after a car accident. These errors can hurt their chances of receiving fair compensation.
Let’s look at five common mistakes made after a car accident and how you can avoid them.
Driving Away from the Scene
Panic is common after a car accident. Sometimes, people make the mistake of driving away. Others think the crash is too minor to involve the police or their insurance company. Leaving the scene, however, is a serious offense. It is often classified as a hit-and-run. This applies even if the damage seems small.
- Example:
A driver left the scene after a small fender bender. They believed the accident wasn’t worth reporting. However, the other driver filed a hit-and-run report. This led to fines and a permanent criminal record for the driver.
- How to Avoid It:
Always stop after an accident. Assess the situation calmly. Call emergency services if needed and stay at the scene. Leaving can lead to severe legal consequences. It is also important for proper documentation. A civil case attorney in Omaha may need this information later.
Admitting Fault
It is natural to apologize after an accident. People often say things like “I’m sorry” to be polite. However, this can be a big mistake. Even a simple apology can be taken as an admission of fault. Courts may use your words against you. This could make you appear more responsible for the accident than you are.
- Example:
A driver apologized to the other party after an accident. They felt it was the polite thing to do. In court, the apology was presented as proof of fault. As a result, the driver received less compensation.
- How to Avoid It:
Stick to the facts when speaking to the other driver. Avoid apologizing or discussing fault. Let investigators determine who is responsible for the accident.
Accepting Immediate Cash Offers
At-fault drivers sometimes offer cash right after an accident. They do this to avoid insurance claims or lawsuits. This might seem like a quick and easy resolution. However, it can hurt your chances of receiving full compensation. You might not yet know the extent of your injuries or damages.
- Example:
A driver accepted $500 in cash after a minor accident. At first, they thought the amount was enough to cover repairs. Later, they discovered they had a serious injury. Since they had already accepted the cash, they could not file a claim for additional compensation.
- How to Avoid It:
Never accept cash at the scene of an accident. Instead, focus on gathering the other driver’s details. This includes their name, license plate number, and insurance information. Speak with a civil law attorney before accepting any settlement offers.
Failing to Gather Witness Information
Witnesses are crucial for proving what happened during an accident. Their statements can help support your case. Unfortunately, many people forget to collect witness contact information. Without witnesses, it can be harder to prove your version of events.
- Example:
A driver was hit by another car that ran a red light. A pedestrian saw the accident happen. However, the driver didn’t ask for the witness’s contact information. Later, the lack of witness testimony weakened their case in court.
- How to Avoid It:
Always ask witnesses for their names and contact details. This can include phone numbers and email addresses. Your civil law attorney can later follow up with them. Witness statements can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
Delaying a Trip to the Hospital
After an accident, you might feel fine. Many injuries, however, don’t show symptoms right away. Conditions like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions often take hours or days to become noticeable. Delaying medical care can harm your health. It can also weaken your legal case.
- Example:
A driver skipped seeing a doctor after an accident. They thought they were uninjured. Days later, they experienced severe back pain. When they sought medical care, the insurance company claimed the injury wasn’t related to the accident. This made it hard for the driver to recover damages.
- How to Avoid It:
Visit a doctor immediately after an accident. Even if you feel okay, get a medical evaluation. This helps detect hidden injuries early. It also provides documentation for your case. Without medical records, it may be difficult to prove your injuries were caused by the accident.
How a Civil Case Attorney in Omaha Can Help
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. A skilled civil law attorney can help simplify the process. They ensure you meet all legal deadlines and handle court paperwork. They also craft a strong legal strategy for your case.
Don’t face this situation alone. Contact Arbelegal today. Speak with an experienced civil case attorney in Omaha and protect your future.