Although drivers generally know car crashes are a concern, most people have never experienced a significant collision. Immediately after a car wreck occurs, the drivers involved can make mistakes. Their nerves and uncertainty result in them making choices that put them at a disadvantage later.
Many of these mistakes are preventable if drivers know how to respond when a car wreck occurs. The three mistakes below are easy to avoid if drivers understand how damaging they can be.
Mistake # 1: Agreeing to bypass police reporting
Reporting a crash is legally mandatory if anyone gets hurt or the collision causes $1,000 or more in property damage. Despite knowing that, some drivers try to talk others out of involving the authorities. They may claim they can’t afford to lose a commercial driver’s license or state that they don’t want to pay more for insurance in the future. Those who agree to settle crash consequences privately may have a very difficult time enforcing that agreement. Not only do they violate the law, but they give up some of the most important proof that allows them to file an insurance claim or lawsuit after a wreck.
Mistake # 2: Apologizing to others
Many people naturally apologize when they believe that they have inconvenienced others. Even though they may not have necessarily been to blame for the crash, drivers may feel compelled to apologize to the other people involved, insurance professionals or first responders. Records of those apologies can come back later to haunt a driver by serving as evidence that they viewed themselves as at least partially culpable. People generally need to avoid apologizing or making direct statements implying that they are at fault, especially when it is clear the other driver did something negligent or illegal.
Mistake # 3: Going home without seeing a doctor
A car crash is likely to disrupt someone’s schedule. They may miss work or important meetings. They may have a number of logistical challenges to address, including the need to repair their vehicle and obtain temporary transportation. Between delayed onset symptoms and the chemical response to a crash, people can easily overlook warning signs of major crash injuries. Especially if other people sustained injuries or the vehicles require major repairs, seeing a doctor to rule out injury can be a smart decision.
Those dealing with car crash consequences including totaled vehicles, hospital bills and lost wages may need assistance obtaining appropriate compensation. People often need assistance if they hope to secure a fair outcome after a car crash. Holding another driver accountable may require lengthy negotiations with insurance companies, or possibly a lawsuit.
