Whether a multi-car accident on a highway or a T-bone on a residential road, a car accident is a traumatic event. Those who are involved in these accidents may experience shock and frustration. It is important to take steps to protect your own interests. One way to help better ensure you protect your interests is to avoid making common mistakes. Here are some of the most common mistakes that often occur after a car crash.
Mistake #1: Not getting help.
All too often an accident will cause injuries, but the injured person will refuse to get treatment or underplay their injuries. This is not the time to be tough. Get any injuries treated. Keep records of the treatment and diagnosis. Some injuries, like those to the back or neck, can seem minor at first but lead to a lifetime of problems. A failure to document and diagnose at the time of the crash can make it more challenging to prove that the injury was the result of the crash and not something that happened after the accident.
Mistake #2: Not calling the police.
In addition to medical attention, it is also important to call the police when there is a serious accident. If anyone is injured or it looks like a vehicle is totaled, it is likely a good idea to call the police. This will lead to a police report. Keep a copy of this to serve as evidence if you chose to move forward with a lawsuit.
It is also important to gather contact information of anyone else involved in the accident as well as witnesses. If you are able, take a few photos with your phone’s camera. When you have a moment, write down what happened to help refresh your memory in the future.
Mistake #3: Not acting to protect your interests.
Those who are injured in a car accident may have a civil liability claim against the other driver. There is generally a statute of limitations that puts a time limit on how long victims have to file a claim against the other driver. Although the details vary based on the state, it is often two years after the date of the crash to file the lawsuit.