The events immediately following a car accident can play a major role in its outcome. Since emotions are running high and adrenaline is likely on overload, it is important to try to calm yourself down to act in your best interests before police and insurance companies get involved. While it is important to know what to do, it is equally important to know what not to do. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid after a car accident.

How Can I Help My Case?

1. Be sure to call the police: You may think that an accident is minor, particularly if no one is injured, but calling the police after a car accident is crucial. A police report not only serves as an official document as to the course of events, but it also documents who was involved, provides photos of the scene, and captures other details, such as insurance information. Even if you are unsure whether calling the police is necessary, it is better to call and not need them than to need that report months down the road and not have one.
2. Seek medical attention quickly: It is quite common to downplay injuries after an accident to avoid people fussing over you, but it could be a costly mistake. For instance, let us say your neck hurts, but you do not feel it is hurt enough to go see a doctor. Before you know it, that minor pain could turn into a chronic injury that requires frequent doctor visits, medication, or therapy. If you do not seek medical attention after an accident, there is no way of connecting the dots later. Do yourself a favor and see a doctor before it is too late.
3. Be careful in who you talk to and what you say: Although you may be inclined to apologize at the scene of an accident or post to social media to release some tension about the incident, it is best to refrain from doing so. Details that you deem minor may be used against you later when insurance companies are trying to point the finger as to who is responsible and who must pay for the accident. Instead, it is best to remain cordial but quiet until the details are ironed out.
4. Gather evidence while you can: Instead of talking at the scene, take photos and videos. Not only will you be distracted and removed from talking to others involved, but your pictures may come in handy later when you are trying to remember details about the incident. Additionally, you may be able to capture evidence that may have been erased once the vehicles were moved or towed away. Use the time to your advantage by documenting what you can while you can.
5. Do not let an insurance company call the shots: You may be inclined to accept an insurance company’s first offer when it comes to settling an accident, but you do not have to. In fact, it is best not to. Insurance companies are trained to address incidents as minimally as possible to avoid large payouts. But once you accept an offer, you cannot return to seek additional compensation. Therefore, it is best to know exactly what your expenses are before agreeing to a settlement.

Get Answers to Your Car Crash Questions From a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer at the Garner Legal

Car accidents are already tense and confusing, but they do not have to be costly. Make sure your rights are protected with assistance from a Baltimore car accident lawyer at the Garner Legal. For a free consultation, call us today at 443-899-1758 or submit our online contact form. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.