Car accidents cost the US economy $481 billion in 2022. 5.2 million people visited an ER or doctor for an injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident, while 46,027 victims lost their lives. A further 4.2 million accidents caused property damage, and in total, 5.9 million accidents were reported to the police.
One study found that 77% of drivers reported being in at least one accident, so at some point, it is bound to happen to you.
While your first instinct may be to make sure everyone is okay, there are some common mistakes people make in the aftermath of an accident that could negatively impact any insurance claims or legal issues down the road. Here are 7 mistakes to avoid after getting in a car accident:
Leaving the Scene
One of the biggest mistakes is leaving the scene of the accident – hit and run drivers caused 20% of pedestrian fatalities between 2013 and 2019. Even if the accident seems minor, you are required by law to stop and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Make sure to get their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information before leaving. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges.
Not Calling the Police
You should always call the police and file an official report after an accident, even if there’s no damage. Having a police report will help support your version of what happened and provide important documentation for insurance claims. The other driver may lie about what happened later on, so having an official record is critical.
Not Taking Photos
Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, the damage to both vehicles, any injuries sustained, and the position of the cars. Capture photos from multiple angles. These photos can serve as evidence if facts about the accident come into dispute later.
Admitting Fault
Even if you think the accident was your fault, avoid apologizing or admitting guilt or responsibility to the other driver. Anything you say can be used against you later. Let your car accident lawyer determine fault based on the evidence.
Not Exchanging Insurance Information
Failing to exchange insurance information is against the law. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Having this info makes the claims process much smoother. Ask to take a photo of their insurance card as well.
Rejecting Medical Care
If emergency responders recommend you get medical attention, do not refuse care. Shock and adrenaline may make injuries seem minor at first – 50k people die from TBIs each year. Getting checked out promptly provides documentation if injuries worsen later. Let a doctor determine whether you need treatment.
Delaying Contacting Insurance
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident, even if it seems insignificant. Provide a clear account of what happened while your memory is fresh. Promptly filing a claim gets the ball rolling and ensures you meet any time-sensitive claim deadlines.
Following these tips can help protect you legally and financially after an auto accident. Staying calm and taking the right steps after a collision can save major headaches down the road.
