There are a lot of important steps you should take after getting into a car accident. Many people know that they should exchange insurance information with the other driver, which is indeed crucial. This is not the only important thing to remember after a car accident though.
In addition to exchanging information with the driver and calling 911, here are some actions to take that you may not know you should do.
1. Do not apologize.
Remaining calm and polite after a car crash will make the post-accident process much less stressful on everyone, but you should never say sorry. Apologizing is an admittance of fault that could be used against you when trying to prove who was at fault for the accident. It may seem like the polite thing to do, but you should never say you’re sorry, even if you think you had fault in the accident.
Instead, check to make sure everyone is safe and uninjured, and remain calm for the whole process.
2. Get information from witnesses.
Getting contact info from the other driver is one thing, but being able to contact potential witnesses is also key. Ask for contact info from anyone who may have seen the accident. If you file for compensation for damages later, this step is very important in providing as much information and evidence about the crash as possible.
3. Talk to a lawyer before talking to your insurance company.
Even if car accidents are covered by your insurance plan, insurance companies will try to give you as little money as possible when damages like this happen. By consulting a lawyer about your situation first, you can receive advice about how to proceed and on how to get fair coverage from your insurance provider.
4. Track your medical treatment afterwards.
Even if your injuries are minor, keep track of all doctors you saw, all medical records of your treatment, and all the ways your injuries have affected your personal life, such as needing to miss days of work or being unable to perform certain day-to-day activities. You may able to get compensation after an accident, both for medical expenses and for the suffering that the injuries cause. The more documentation and records you have of the injuries, the easier it will be to show medical expenses and pain resulting from the accident.
