Car accidents happen every single day in the United States and unfortunately many results in devastating injuries and death. It seems there is a lot of information out there regarding what steps to take following a car accident, but what about the things you should never do? Being involved in a car accident is undoubtedly a stressful and nerve-wracking experience, whether it’s your first fender bender or one of many. In these high-stress situations, it can be easy to get flustered and say something you shouldn’t or do something that may hurt you down the road. This is why it is just as important to know what not to do after a car accident as it is knowing what steps you should take. You definitely don’t want to do anything that could inadvertently hurt your chances of taking your case to court and recovering damages for the injuries you suffered.
More than six million car accidents take place every single year in the United States, and approximately one in three accidents result in personal injury to the driver or passengers. In addition, two out of every 10 accidents results in fatalities. These numbers show just how important it is for us to be extra careful when driving, especially with all the distractions out there today. In order to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, make sure you understand what not to do following an accident:
- Never leave the scene of an accident – One of the biggest mistakes drivers make following a car accident is to leave the scene. This is a serious crime that is punishable by hefty fines or even jail time, depending on the nature of the accident. Always stay at the scene until the police arrive, even if it is just a minor accident.
- Don’t leave your car in the middle of the road – If you’ve been in an accident, it is important you move to the side of the road, if possible. This will help prevent further injuries and help traffic move along smoothly. If you cannot move your car out of the center lane, wait for the authorities or call a tow truck.
- Don’t try and clean up the debris – While it may be in your nature to try and clean up after an accident, doing so when multiple cars are involved is futile. The police or a wrecking crew will be dispatched to clean up the mess, regardless of whose fault it was. Do your best to stay out of the way and let them do their job.
- Never assume your minor aches and pains aren’t serious – If you’ve been an accident and have a few aches and pains, it’s important you see a doctor. Many people make the mistake of assuming their injuries are minor and will go away on their own, but this is often not the case.
- Never admit guilt – Even if the accident was your fault, never say “I am sorry” or admit guilt in any other capacity to the other driver(s). This could hurt your case, should it turn into a lawsuit. We strongly recommend you wait for the authorities to arrive and sort everything out instead of claiming responsibility right from the start.
If you’ve been in a car accident in McKinney, please contact Wormington & Bollinger today. Our personal injury lawyers have represented countless individuals in cases just like yours and are prepared to do the same for you.