3 Mistakes Drivers Will Want To Avoid After Being Involved In An Auto Accident
Car accidents tend to occur when you least expect them. Once that initial shock from the accident subsides, the subsequent actions can make or break your personal injury case. To ensure that your rights are fully and properly protected, it is in your best interest to contact an auto accident attorney to find out how to proceed. In the meantime, though, here are three mistakes that you will most definitely want to avoid immediately following an auto accident.
Leave the Scene and Head Home
Being involved in a car accident can be particularly disconcerting, but it is important that you do not immediately drive away after the accident. You need to stick around. It is against the law to leave an accident scene. Plus, after an accident, your presence is likely crucial. For instance, if you leave, the other drive could accuse you of a hit-and-run, which has serious consequences. You need to stick around so that you can provide the appropriate authorities your account of the collision, in addition to getting witness contact information and taking photographs.
Apologize to the Other Driver
After a collision, you will want to check on the other drive to exchange insurance information and ensure they're alright. However, make sure to be careful with what you say. If you say you are sorry, it could be taken as an admission of guilt/fault. Therefore, it is important to keep your conversation with the other driver short and simply request their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
Forgo Legal Representation
Generally, the insurance company will tell you that they will take care of everything regarding the car accident for you, but keep in mind that they may not always have your best interests at heart. To be honest, they are looking to pay as little as possible out to you; they want to save as much as possible no matter what. By working with a car accident attorney, you can rest assured that the accident will be investigated thoroughly. Your attorney will collect statements from witnesses as well as visual data, and then he or she will submit that data to your insurance company. In the event that the insurance company attempts to cheat you, he or she will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve.
If you have been involved in an auto accident recently, get in touch with a car accident lawyer, like those at Siben & Siben LLP, in your area for legal assistance.