No matter how prepared you might be on the road, an accident may happen unexpectedly. But as unexpected as a road accident can be, the way you react and the next moves you make will determine the extent of the consequences. Therefore, it is essential to know the right things to do if you find yourself in such a situation. Many people make so many mistakes after a car crash that cost them even more. Are you sure of what to do should the unexpected happen? Here are the mistakes to avoid:
- Not documenting the accident
One mistake most people make is not documenting the events after the accident. Documenting the accident scene will depend on the severity of the accident and the extent of your injury. If you are in the right frame of mind enough to think clearly, then ensure that you take photos of everything around you. Fortunately, you can even record the events that led to the accident by investing in a dashcam. Doing this will be of greater importance, especially when the accident is not your fault. Dashcam solutions come in different types and are mostly not very expensive. Plus, they can be the reason you avoid jail time.
- Failing to report the accident
Unless you require urgent medical attention after the accident, do not leave the scene without first reporting the accident. The first thing you should do is to make a call for first responders and the police. Next, report everything you know and remember about the accident. This is where your dashcam will come in handy. If there is anything you do not recognize or any fact you are not sure about, let the police know. Under no circumstances should you make up your version of events, as this can go against you after the investigation.
- Getting an unlicensed attorney
If the accident occurred outside of your home state, it is best to get a licensed attorney from that state. Depending on how the accident unfolded, or if you have been charged formally, then you should seek the assistance of top-tier criminal defense attorneys. Remember that your attorney should be licensed in that particular state. You may notice that many lawyers advertise in different states, but that does not necessarily mean they can practice anywhere. Many people mistake contacting lawyers who cannot help them simply because they do not have the license.
- Failing to get immediate medical attention
If you have suffered an injury after the accident, then you should seek immediate medical attention. Doing this helps in two ways. First, the medical examination results will prove that there is nothing wrong with you, which the other party cannot use against you. Secondly, your insurance company might use it against you if you want too long to see a doctor. The longer you wait to have yourself medically examined, the more the other party may argue that your injuries may not have been that serious.
