What Not to Do After a Car Accident

According to reports from 2022, around 4 million car crashes were reported in the U.S., which is unfortunately the second-highest, accounting for 38.1 percent of the total accidents in the year. 

No one plans for a car accident. But when it happens, it can leave you feeling scared, confused, and overwhelmed. You get frustrated thinking about whether the insurance will cover the damage. Is anyone hurt? Was I to blame? Consequently, you might end up doing all the wrong things. 

However, keeping your cool is imperative in this tough situation. Even if it’s hard to stay relaxed in the aftermath of an accident, specifically if you or your loved one has sustained an injury, the decision you choose at this time might have negative or positive consequences.

So, knowing what not to do after an accident is just as important as knowing what to do. Furthermore, undertaking the necessary measures following an accident, such as hiring a car accident attorney in Natomas or a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento, may improve your likelihood of winning the case.

Things to Avoid Doing After the Accident

You must be aware of those red-flag actions to avoid after an accident.

• Fleeing the Scene

One of the biggest mistakes people make is driving away, especially after a minor bump or fender bender. Regardless of how minor the collision seems, it’s critical to stop and evaluate the situation, exchange information with the other driver, and notify law enforcement. Depending on the circumstances, failure to stop and leave the accident site might result in a violation or felony conviction.

• Skipping the Police Report

Some drivers skip calling the police to avoid trouble. While calling the police and filing a report is the foremost step following a collision.
Even if the officers can’t make it to the scene, you can still file a report at your nearest station. That documentation helps your auto accident attorney in Elk Grove or Natomas accelerate the claim process while providing vital proof in the case of long-term injury.

• Losing Your Temper

Experiencing a collision can be distressing, and your emotions might intensify after an automobile accident. Even if the accident was their fault, try to remain calm. Losing your temper and shouting, blaming, or accusing others can work against you, especially if witnesses are nearby.
Take a breath. Focus on making sure everyone is okay and collecting information. The calmer you are, the stronger your position becomes later.

• Neglecting Proper Documentation

If you plan to file a claim, your auto accident lawyer in Sacramento will require more documentation. Hence, following an accident, consider the following –

• Capture photos of the scene and the cars
• Take down the driver’s name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number (s)
• Keep a note of the other driver’s auto insurance company and policy number
• Collect precise contact information for the officer filing the report.

• Admitting Fault

Admitting blame in the first place can instantly disadvantage you. You may feel tempted to apologize or say something like “It was my fault”, but don’t. Admitting fault can sabotage your claim, even if you’re just being polite.
Consider not confessing fault at the scene or with the insurance company. Thus, be straightforward about what happened and don’t say it’s all my fault since these statements can risk your claim, and the other party’s insurance company might use this statement against you, which is likely to pay you less for the damages.

• Not Contacting an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Did you know that insurance companies have teams trained to minimize your payout? So, shouldn’t you have someone on your side, too? An experienced auto accident attorney can –

• Assess the full impact of your injuries
• Handle insurance negotiations
• Collect and preserve key evidence
• Ensure you meet all legal deadlines

Furthermore, there’s no drawback to meeting with a lawyer and gaining a professional evaluation of your case. However, if you don’t contact a personal injury lawyer, you may have difficulty getting compensation and may lose the opportunity to bring a lawsuit due to the statute of limitations.

Takeaway

It’s normal to feel upset after a crash. But the choices you make in those first few minutes and the days that follow can affect your physical recovery and financial compensation. If you or any of your loved ones have recently been involved in an accident, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Having a trusted car accident attorney by your side helps you receive the compensation you deserve quickly while taking the pressure of legal procedures off your shoulders.

Claim Your Compensation Today With Doyle O’ Donnell

Looking for a reliable car accident attorney in Natomas? Doyle O’ Donnell is the most trusted and reputable personal injury and auto accident lawyer in the Sacramento Valley.  With over 30 years of experience handling car accidents and personal injury cases, we know the ins and outs of California law. We’ve helped thousands of clients secure the maximum compensation they deserve.

Our team handles every case with compassion, clear communication, and full transparency. And the best part? You don’t pay a penny unless we win your case.

Call us at 916-545-9725, we’re here to help you get the justice and support you deserve!