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Don’t Make These 6 Mistakes After A Car Accident

Everyone knows what to do after a car accident; don’t they? You might think that you would know exactly what to do and how to act after you’ve been involved in an accident, but the experience can overwhelm even the clearest thinker. Before you make the mistake of exchanging information and moving on, take these 6 mistakes into consideration and avoid making them at all costs.

Mistake #1 – Not calling the police. No matter how, where, or why the accident occurred, there should be documentation of the incident. Calling the police is your top priority once your vehicle is stopped and safely out of harm’s way. In some states, it’s a legal requirement to contact the authorities after an accident.

Regardless of the law, even if the damage is minimal; even if everyone “feels fine;” even if the other party is begging you not to call; grab a phone and dial 911.

Mistake #2 – Underestimating your injuries at the scene. Some people feel only minor pain after an accident and assume that they’ll be okay after a few days. Wrong. The slight pain you feel today can turn become excruciating pain tomorrow. You might not need an ambulance now, but you need to seek medical treatment for your injuries, no matter how minor, as soon as possible. Above all, avoid telling everyone around you that you’re “fine,” even if you don’t feel any pain. Once the pain kicks in a few days later, you won’t be feeling very fine at all.

Mistake #3 – Neglecting to seek treatment once the pain begins. There are two things to mention here. First, it might take a few days for your injuries to make themselves known. Once the pain kicks in, it is imperative that you contact your doctor immediately to make an appointment. Waiting too long can be disastrous to your health.

Second, tell your doctor about every part of you that hurts. One body part might hurt so much that it makes the pain of another body part seem minor in comparison, but every injury both large and small should be documented. That minor injury could develop into something major down the road.

Mistake #4 – Failing to acquire information at the scene. This might not be easy to do if you get whisked away in an ambulance, but if you’re still at the scene and can walk, it’s important to collect as much information as possible. Take as many pictures as you can of the accident scene. Choose different angles of the scene, detailed pictures of damage points on all vehicles involved, and wide angle views of the surroundings.

This is also an important time to speak to people who witnessed the accident. Get statements, names, and contact information. Don’t wait for the police or insurance companies to get these witness statements next week; do it while it’s fresh in their minds.

Mistake # 5 – Agreeing to a quick settlement. Sure, you want to put the entire thing behind you and move on, but a quick settlement can have negative long-lasting effects. It’s important to note that once you settle, you can’t reopen your case. If your injuries turn out to be more severe and require more treatment, you’ll be out of luck when it comes to the medical bills. If you need a longer recovery time that requires you to be out of work for weeks, the settlement might not be enough to pay your monthly expenses.

Mistake #6 – Sharing your story on social media. The world has changed a lot in the last decade, and people tend to share both good and bad experiences on their social media pages. When it comes to the updates about your claim progress, or the updates about your health, keep the information away from the internet. The other insurance company will do all it can to try to disprove your claim, so don’t make it easy by posting pictures of your family reunion at the beach. You might have suffered through the pain just to be there, but the insurance company will twist your experience. Telling people in a comment that you’re “feeling better” can be taken out of context and used against you.

Disabling your social media profiles until the case settles is one way to keep your business to yourself. Reach out to friends via text, email, and phone.