After we get our driver’s license, we tend to think that we know everything. Most of us believe that we know exactly how to react when a car accident happens. In reality, things are different.
The main reason why people recommend that you get a lawyer for car accidents in Wilkes-Barre whenever involved in a collision is exactly this lack of knowledge. Remember that auto accidents can lead to injuries and filing insurance claims can end up failing if you make the wrong choices at the scene of the car accident. This is why you need to be careful and avoid the common mistakes mentioned below.
Not Calling 911
Unless you are injured and you cannot do this, you should call 911 as soon as possible to let the authorities know that an accident happened. The police need to respond and you are actually required by law to contact the police in most states when the property damages go over $500, which is incredibly easy to reach. Calling 911 is also mandatory when the accident involves any injury or death.
You should also take into account that the police report will be proof of what happened. Your attorney will use this information and the insurance company or the party at fault will find it much harder to argue the details of the accident when the report exists.
Leaving The Scene
To put it as simple as possible, even if you are not the cause of the car accident, if you decide to leave, you might end up in jail. Also, you automatically undermine your entire credibility and there is a very good possibility that your claim will be damaged.
When you are involved in an accident, you are legally obligated to stay at the scene and to exchange information with the other drivers involved. You also have to help people that are injured to get medical care. The situation is particularly dangerous for you if someone was injured as you might end up being considered responsible and your actions can be seen as admitting guilt.
Not Going To The Doctor
Even if you feel you are not injured, the reality might be different. Many insurance companies deny claims or just reduce their value because the claim that the victim had some previous injuries or injuries were not that serious. You need to get checked out by a physician as soon as possible following the car accident.
We should also highlight that there are several car accident injuries that will not show symptoms immediately. Soreness and pain might not be felt for days. This is especially the case when suffering from soft tissue injuries or brain injuries.
Admitting Fault
You might do this without even realizing that you do it. This is why after the car accident you need to be really careful with what you say. Some simple statements can be seen as an admission of guilt, like “I only took my eyes off the road for a second” or “I didn’t see you”. If you need to make a statement, it is better to have your attorney with you.