Seeking Justice For The Injured

Attorneys Axel Dumas and Jonathan Sanclemente photo

Things you must not do after a car accident

On Behalf of | Jul 27, 2022 | Car Accidents |

If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, you may be feeling a range of emotions. Those emotions could include shock, confusion, anger and frustration. While you’re in that heightened state, it’s easy to make mistakes you’ll regret later.

There are several things that you should never do after a car accident. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be better able to protect yourself legally and ensure that the process of recovering from your accident is as smooth as possible.

You leave the scene

The one thing you should never do after a car accident is to leave the scene. This is considered a hit-and-run, and it’s a very serious crime that can land you in jail. If you can, swap information with the other driver involved and call the police.

You neglect to call your insurance company

Another mistake to avoid is failing to call your insurance company. Many people think they can just handle car accident repairs on their own, but your insurance company will need to be involved in order to process your claim. Not using them could void your insurance coverage and make it harder to get compensated for the damages. Additionally, it’s important to get an official report from the police for your insurance company.

You admit fault at the scene

You should also never admit fault at the accident scene or sign any documents without reading them first. Even if you suspect you may be at fault, it’s best to wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney or your insurance company before admitting to anything.

You speak to the other party’s insurance company first

It’s important to avoid talking to the other individual’s insurance company without first speaking to your own. The other driver’s insurance company may attempt to get you to say things that could damage your claim, so it’s best to just provide them with your name and contact information. Then let your own insurance company handle the rest.

You don’t seek medical help

Don’t forget to seek medical help. Even if you don’t feel like you were injured, it’s always best to get checked out by a doctor after an accident. Injuries can sometimes take days, or even weeks, to manifest, so it’s important to get a professional opinion.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to protect yourself after a motor vehicle accident and ensure that the process of recovery is as smooth as possible.