Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident in Texas. However, if you ever are involved in a crash, it helps if you are prepared mentally ahead of time. Here are a few things that you should remember not to do after a car accident.
Do not leave the scene before contacting the police
It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, and if you do this, you could get charged with a crime. No matter who was at fault and how minor the collision was, contact the police and stay at the scene.
Do not underestimate how injured you are
Even minor collisions can cause serious head trauma from whiplash. If you were just in an accident, don’t assume that you are injury-free. Many people become traumatized and disoriented after motor vehicle accidents, so you should move carefully. It’s possible that you could have injuries that you don’t feel immediately.
After a car accident, victims should be medically assessed for signs of concussion, broken bones, or strains. Even if you feel like your injuries were minor, it is important to make sure. Having medical records of your injuries may also be important when you file an insurance claim.
Do not admit any fault
While it is important to make sure other people involved in the auto accident are OK, be careful what you say to them. In the aftermath of a collision, you could mistakenly admit fault by blurting out “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see that light.”
If you are involved in a multi-car collision, you may or may not have some fault for causing it. Either way, you should keep your mouth shut about what caused the accident until you’ve spoken with your lawyer.
Do talk to a lawyer about your accident claim
A lawyer may be able to help you pursue the maximum financial compensation for your car accident from the at-fault party. It may also be helpful to speak to a lawyer if the other driver involved is blaming you for the accident.