Things NOT To Do Right After A Car Accident
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Published on: 24 September 2022
Last Updated on: 20 December 2022
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Have you ever witnessed a car accident or been involved in one? Right after a car accident, there’s so much you can’t do, like leave the scene of the crash or seek legal help without contacting the police first. But, there’s more to this than these simple examples. Keep reading to find out more.
Things Not To Do Right After a Car Accident:
There are so many things that you must not do after a car accident. From not calling the police to not seeking compensation, there’s so much protocol when it comes to something like a car accident.
For instance, will you look for a reputable accident lawyer in salt lake city, or will you inform the police as an auto injury victim in Salt Lake City?
Just like seeking legal help is not something you must do immediately after an accident, similarly, calling 911 is exactly what you should be doing at this point. Scroll down to find out everything that you must not do after a car accident!
1. Driving Away From the Car Wreck:
Leaving the accident scene after being involved in a car crash can most definitely be considered a crime. Therefore, it’s crucial to stop first and then assess the entire situation, even if you do not believe any harm has been done.
This is pretty common in the case of hit-and-run accidents – not stopping and leaving the scene of the accident is punishable by law. So, for instance, if you live in Salt Lake City, you can’t just google ‘accident lawyer salt lake city’ after driving away from the crash. You must take responsibility instead and follow the necessary steps before taking action.
2. Forgetting To Collect Information:
After getting involved in any vehicle accident, you should not forget to obtain both your insurance as well as the personal information of all involved parties in the car accident.
In addition, get hold of all the required information that you can possibly obtain from various drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
You must obtain the following information:
- Name.
- Address.
- Contact number.
- The license number of the driver.
- License plate numbers.
- Name of different auto insurance companies as well as policy number(s).
Most people are usually disoriented right after a car crash. This is very normal. However, you are required to exchange data about other involved motorists – there are two reasons behind this.
First, you are required to file an insurance claim along with your insurance adjusters. Second, you need to seek financial compensation from the car or insurance company for the driver at fault.
If there were witnesses to the motor accident, you must consider exchanging data and information with them too.
If you have more than just yourself to attest to your side of the event, it might prove beneficial, especially if the driver is at fault or their insurance company is not cooperative.
Additionally, your attorney might reach out to the insurance company or the driver at fault later for taking down an official recorded statement for providing to the main insurance provider as a sort of evidence for the claims that you made.
3. Leaving Without Contacting The Police:
In most examples of minor accidents such as communicating with various local authorities for reporting the accident is necessary, at least for ensuring your safety and that of others using the road.
Any broken shrapnel or car parts left on the road could also pose a serious hazard to others. Calling the police officer on the same scene for filing any accident report will also provide clarity while ensuring there’s a whole write-up of exactly what happened.
Additionally, obtaining a police report is essential. Most insurance companies require this document to begin a claim, and it can be a critical piece of evidence. If the incident happens in Ohio, you can later access the OH traffic accident report online by filling out basic information regarding the collision.
Moreover, if the auto accident is serious enough and has ended up causing vehicle damage or even injuries, neglecting to contact the police to report the whole accident is very much punishable in the eyes of the law.
And It’s A Wrap!
So now that you have a fair idea about all the things that you should not do after a car accident, we hope that you are prepared to deal with such events if you are ever a part of anything this serious. And it’s not difficult to find legal help for the same.
For example, any resident of Salt Lake City will just need to type ‘accident lawyer salt lake city for the most effective results.
In the meantime, share with us your thoughts and experiences related to the same in the comments below.
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