We are never fully prepared for car accidents. They happen fast. They shake us up. Sometimes they cause serious injury. And just when we are struggling to recover from being caught off guard, we must deal with the aftermath. Today, we’re going to look at what you should do following a car crash – also check out this info on what to do following a car accident. Otherwise, let’s get going…
Do not apologize for the accident
A common mistake made by many people involved in car crashes is to approach the other driver and apologize for the accident – even where the other driver was clearly at fault (for example, failing to apply the brakes in time, causing a rear-end collision). Although we are naturally considerate of other people’s feelings and most of us are compelled to show empathy, apologizing for an accident is a mistake that may later be held against you in a court of law. It’s fine to enquire as to whether there are any injuries that need medical attention, but do not apologize for the road accident.
Try to photograph the scene
If you are able, try to photograph the scene as soon as possible. Include close up photos of all vehicles involved in the collision (so that these vehicles may be easily identifiable at a later date), and include wide-angle photos of the general scene – this can help to record certain factors like the weather and driving conditions, the road markings, the location of the accident, and any other details that may become relevant during the course of your claim.
Where you fail to photograph the scene of the accident, the other side could attempt to change any number of details in their favour, including things like the vehicle involved in the crash and any factors that may have impeded the driver’s ability to react in time – photographic evidence that can dispel these claims will help to expedite your case towards its rightful conclusion.
Speak to bystanders
If you have the names and contact details of any bystanders that witnessed the accident, this can serve to further bolster the evidence upon which your claim for personal injury compensation is based. Unscrupulous tactics from the other side are not unknown, and eyewitness testimony that goes against the wayward claims made by the other side can help to back up your innocence.
Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible
The importance of speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible after your car accident cannot be overstated. The sooner you place your circumstances in the hands of a lawyer, the sooner the following processes can begin. This includes the primary phase of gathering evidence in support of your claim. A lawyer knows how to gather all relevant evidence, and is in a position to understand how the other side may react to your claim – the more time the lawyer has to prepare a robust case based on robust evidence, the more chance you have of walking away with the compensation you deserve.