The 5 Worst Things You Can Do After a Car Accident

When you’re browsing the Internet looking for information after a car accident, you’ll find that most personal injury attorneys will tell you what you should do after your accident. But what about the things you shouldn’t do? Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s even easier to make mistakes when you’re flustered or upset after an accident. Here are six important things you should not do after an accident:

1. Don’t leave the scene. One of the biggest mistakes anyone can make when they’re involved in an accident is leaving the scene. First, it’s illegal in most areas. No matter how minor or severe the accident, you must stop if you’re involved. You need to check on the occupants of the other car, report the accident to law enforcement, and exchange insurance information. If you leave the scene of any accident, you may face misdemeanor charges. However, if you leave the scene of an accident in which an individual is injured or killed, you could face a felony charge.
2. Don’t forget to call law enforcement. If you’re involved in a minor accident with little damage, it may be tempting to simply exchange contact information with the other motorist. Even if the person seems trustworthy, this is a bad idea. They may not have valid insurance, or they could give you false information. A police report may also help you if you have to file a claim.
3. Don’t neglect medical treatment. For individuals without life-threatening injuries, the moments immediately following an accident can be a bit overwhelming. Even if you don’t have apparent injuries, you may still want to get evaluated by a medical professional following an accident. Some injuries can manifest hours or even days after your accident. If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, medical evidence is imperative to a favorable decision. If you wait too long after an accident to get evaluated, your evidence may not be as impactful.
4. Don’t let the insurance company bully you. Though their advertising campaigns may state that they are on your side or claim that they’re there for you, insurance companies are going to do whatever they can to work against you. The business model for auto insurance is simple: they’re more profitable when you don’t use their services. This means that it is in the insurance company’s best interest to undercut you at every step. They may try to make you accept less than your car is worth, and may not compensate you for your injuries.
5. Don’t wait too long to pursue a claim. In most states, there is a statute of limitations for a car accident. In West Virginia, for example, the limit is two years. If you wait too long to pursue a claim, you likely won’t win your case. If there is a large gap in treatment, the insurance company can argue that your injuries were the result of something else.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, the first thing an insurance company will do is tell you no. That’s why you need an attorney who won’t take no for an answer. Call us today for a free consultation. Our toll-free number is 1-877-526-3457. If you can’t talk now, fill out this form so we can call you at a better time.