When driving on the road, your top priority is to get to your intended destination safely and without incident. Unfortunately, there are times when we may get into a car accident and as a result, we find ourselves in an undesirable situation. Whenever you get into a car accident, there are certain things that you should always do. Anytime you get into a car accident, you will need to immediately pull over, check the damage of your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle, and also summon law enforcement to report the accident. You will also need to make an insurance claim so that you can use your coverage to pay for any repairs. As well as doing certain things after getting into an accident, there are some mistakes that you need to avoid so that you don’t risk financial ruin and potential legal problems.
1. Leaving the Scene
The biggest mistake that you can make when getting into a car accident is to leave the scene. When leaving the scene of an accident, you will avoid reporting it and this will result in a denial of coverage from your auto insurance company. As well as making yourself liable for expensive repairs, leaving the scene of an accident can also result in criminal charges. Whenever you leave the scene of an accident, you can be charged with a hit and run. This is where you collide with another driver’s vehicle and then drive away. The criminal charges can result in a conviction and a possible jail sentence if the driver is injured or killed. So it is very important that you never leave the scene of an accident so that you avoid the risk of losing your freedom and paying an astronomical amount of money for repairing your vehicle.
2. Not Making an Insurance Claim
Another major mistake that you can make whenever you get into a car accident is not making a claim with your insurance company. Anytime you get into an accident it is important to contact the insurance company and mention that you got into an accident. While this may increase your premiums, it will still save you a lot of money. Your insurance company will pay for any damages that occurred and ensure that you avoid paying for any costly repairs yourself. When making an insurance claim, you will need to contact them within a couple of days of getting into the accident and have a valid police report to ensure that the claim can be made successfully. Not making an insurance claim can result in paying for the repairs out of pocket which can be a major strain on your finances for the foreseeable future.
3. Not Speaking With a Lawyer
Whenever you get into a car accident, not speaking with a lawyer can also be a major mistake. This is especially true if you are facing criminal charges or a potential lawsuit. If you have been charged with a crime such as a hit and run or driving under the influence, it is very important to consult with an attorney immediately. Not speaking to a lawyer can result in a criminal conviction and at least six months in jail. A car accident can also result in a lawsuit being filed against you. In this situation, you will need a lawyer to ensure that you don’t experience financial ruin with a judgment issued against you. If you have been injured in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, consulting with a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and get a favorable settlement. So not speaking to a lawyer can result in you not getting any compensation to help you recover from your injuries. With the help of an experienced attorney, you will be able to more easily deal with the potential consequences of a car accident.