Car crashes should be treated as an eventuality rather than a possibility, and they happen more often than people think. Car crashes are among the leading causes of death in the United States. Knowing how to respond to a car accident is just as important as knowing how to prevent one. There are some things that you should never do in a car accident, as these mistakes can cost you your chances of securing proper compensation for your injuries, and they may even put you in trouble with the law. Here are the things you should never do in a car crash.
Leaving the Scene of the Car Crash
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you and the other driver are obliged to render aid to others who have been affected by the crash. A person fleeing the scene of the accident is also likely to cause another accident when they are in a state of panic. Fleeing the scene of an accident is automatically treated as a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. This behavior is punishable regardless of whether or not the accident was caused by the person who fled the scene, and whether the accident was severe or minor.
Not Calling for Aid
Calling the police is a legal requirement. The responding officers are a neutral party that will document the details of the accident, and calling for aid brings emergency responders who can help get the injured to safety. Those who fail to call 911 after a car crash may be charged with a hit and run or a failure to report an accident. Being convicted with either can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, heavy fines, and jail time. You may even lose your auto insurance coverage if you keep the accident from your insurer.
Not Hiring a Lawyer
It’s possible to proceed with a car accident claim without a lawyer, but you’d be foregoing your best chance of securing compensation. Lawyers are best equipped to handle these cases due to their knowledge of state law. For example, the laws that apply to San Rafael Accidents may not apply to those of areas in other states. Lawyers also have resources that would not be available to most people. While anyone can collect evidence, lawyers are trained to present it in court in a manner that will help you attain the compensation you deserve.
Apologizing
Different states take different approaches to car accident claims. Tort states require the at-fault party (or their insurance provider) to pay for the other party’s medical expenses and special damages. An apology, or any statement that remotely resembles an apology, will be interpreted as an admission of fault, which will severely hurt your case. Don’t be rude, but don’t be apologetic either.
There’s no absolute way to ensure that car accidents don’t happen, but there are ways to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve after the fact.
