If You’re Ever in a Car Accident Do Not Make These Mistakes
Even though you may like to think it would never happen to you, car accidents can happen to anyone. Whether it’s your fault or not, car accidents can cause a variety of problems, from injuries and damage to insurance hassles and financial hardship. Knowing what to do and what not to do in the event of an accident can save you time, money, and stress.
Why it’s important to be prepared for a car accident
When you get in a car accident, your vehicle may obviously be damaged. But accidents can have a variety of other consequences. Some things you may have to deal with when you get into a car accident include mental and physical health problems, medical bills, lawsuits, limitations at work, issues with automobile insurance companies, financial hardship, and more.
In fact, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), which studies the economic and societal costs of vehicle accidents throughout the country, estimates that the total “cost” of vehicle accidents is hundreds of billions of dollars a year. This cost accounts for “both economic impacts and valuation for lost quality-of-life.”
Because you never know what may come from a car accident, preparation and education are key.
Mistakes to avoid after a car accident
While it is important to take certain steps after an accident, it is also important to avoid making specific mistakes. Even though it can be hard to keep your cool, it’s important to think clearly and remember what not to do.
Don’t leave the scene. Even if the accident seems mild, you are responsible and expected to stop, exchange information, and report the accident. If you leave the scene without taking the proper steps, you may be committing a crime.
Don’t lose your cool. It’s easy to have a rush of emotions running through you after a car accident, but becoming angry or irrational may force you into something you regret later.
Don’t forget the proper documentation. This could refer to a variety of things, but should always include obtaining insurance information from all parties involved, providing your insurance information, and retrieving information such as license plate numbers, the names of the parties involved, and the makes/models of the vehicles involved. You should also document the accident’s location and circumstances, and obtain a police report if necessary. For added security, take pictures of everything.
Don’t ignore all the steps you need to take. Car accidents can be a lot of work. But completing what you need to do when you need to is essential. Take care of injuries or medical problems, insurance claims, paperwork, etc., right away. Putting these tasks off will only exacerbate your current problems.
What to do after a car accident
When you’ve been in an accident, the first thing you should do is check the welfare of yourself and others inside your vehicle. If everyone is okay and you are able, move your vehicle to a safe area. Once you are in a safe location, turn off your vehicle and check on any other parties involved in the accident. Seek emergency medical attention for anyone who needs it.
It is then important to call the police to the scene as soon as possible. Police reports are important even in minor accidents. The police can also mediate the situation for all parties involved and prove who is at fault for the accident.
After you’ve gathered the proper documentation from the accident, you’ll want to file a claim with your automobile insurance right away. Many insurance providers have their own time limits for making such claims. And when in doubt, seek the help of a professional for advice.
Originally written and published by Marci Houghtlen on July 26, 2019. This article has been refreshed and updated.
