No one ever plans on being in a car accident but just about everyone will be in one at some point during their life. If you should suddenly find yourself in this situation, it's important that you choose your words and actions carefully if you want to protect your legal rights. Regardless of whether it's your fault or the other driver's, here are three things you should never do following an auto accident.
Don't Leave The Scene
If you've never been in an accident before and you suddenly run into an unmanned vehicle or another random object, your first instinct might be to flee. After all, you don't want to get into trouble and if no one saw the accident happen, you might be in the clear. But the truth is that leaving the scene of an accident can actually bring charges against you if anyone were to ever find out. Then, you'd be looking at a criminal case instead of just paying for the damages. You never know where there's a security camera installed that might be able to pinpoint you at the scene. Always make an effort to provide your information to someone when in an accident.
Don't Apologize
If the accident is your fault, your first instinct may be to say that you are sorry or offer some other choice of words in order to apologize to the other driver. While this might seem like the decent thing to do, it could put you at risk if the other driver sues you and you end up in court. An apology can sometimes be viewed as an admission of guilt. For this reason, it's important to keep your mouth shut as much as possible when speaking to the other driver immediately after the accident. Keep your opinion, good or bad, to yourself and stick to just exchanging information.
Don't Leave Without A Police Report
If your accident appears to be a small fender bender, the other driver might suggest just exchanging info and moving on. But in most cases, it is to your benefit to get a police report filed, even if the accident is your fault. A police report will give an official account of the incident and damages that can be sent off to your insurance provider. This makes it less likely for the other party to later change or embellish their story.
If you have been in a car accident and have either done significant damage, caused injury or been the victim of another driver's negligence, you should search for a lawyer today. Auto accident lawyers will be able to help you negotiate with the other side and talk to the insurance companies if needed. Just be sure to keep your cool at the scene of the accident and don't apologize or leave without a police report being filed.
For more information, talk to a lawyer.
