Statistics suggest that the average person gets in an auto accident once every 17.9 years, so while you may not have been in a car accident yet, odds are you’ll get in a fender bender at some point in the future. Since car accidents are typically few and far between, many people don’t know what they should do in the moments after an accident. Today, we’re going to share five things that you absolutely should not do in the wake of a car accident.
Don’t Do These Five Things After A Car Accident
If you want to maximize the amount of compensation you may be able to receive after an auto accident, avoid these five actions:
1. Flee The Scene – Regardless of whether you’re at fault or if you are injured, you should never flee the scene of an accident without getting out to inspect the damage and talk with the other driver. Police may not need to get involved for minor accidents, but you still need to exchange information with the other driver. If the other driver flees, try to memorize as much detail as you can about the other car or driver (license plate, color, make, model, direction traveling, etc.), as this can help police find the suspect and help you seek compensation from that party.
2. Release Your Anger – There is never an ideal time for a car accident, so the fact that you just got hit is likely to anger and upset you to some degree. Do not fly into a rage, because it can lead to a lawsuit against you, and any witnesses may not be so willing to speak up on your behalf. There’s also the possibility that lashing out could exacerbate any injuries you suffered during the crash, so do your best to keep your cool.
3. Apologize – You should always ensure that the other driver and their passengers aren’t hurt, but do not apologize for the accident. Apologizing can be seen as an admission of fault, which can work against you in a compensation claim. Be considerate, not apologetic
4. Talk Without Consulting A Lawyer Or Injury Firm – Anything you say to the other driver’s lawyer or your insurance company can and will be used to make a case against you. If the other driver’s lawyer or your insurance firm contacts you, tell them that you are in the process of finding legal assistance and will contact them once you have spoken to a lawyer. Far too often people end up making a case against themselves because they offer up too much information or say things they shouldn’t. It comes with the territory for being known as “Minnesota Nice,” but it can really work against you, so seek out legal help soon after an auto accident.
5. Settle Quickly – As a firm that specializes in injury compensation, we always tell clients to avoid signing anything right away or jumping at a first offer. We understand that you want to put the accident and any injuries behind you, but the insurance companies also know that too, so they’ll often try to get people to agree to a lowball offer. If you’re working with an attorney, they’ll be able to recognize if the offer is fair, but if you’re on your own, you may think $20,000 is a great option, when in actuality that won’t even cover your total medical expenses. Always talk with a lawyer before signing a settlement offer.
For more information about what you should or shouldn’t do, or to get the best legal representation after a Minnesota car accident, reach out to Hey Workers today.
