Have you recently been in a vehicle accident? You’re not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were over 6 million police-reported traffic accidents in the United States in 2021. As more vehicles are on the road each year, the numbers continue to climb. Although these statistics are clear, the consequences of an accident certainly are not.
How can you be prepared in advance of a vehicle accident? What are the most common mistakes made after a vehicle accident? And, how can you avoid making these mistakes? Let’s find out.
1. Most common mistake: Lack of preparation in case an accident happens
If this idea sounds extreme, consider the statistics again. The best preparation is to plan your responses in case you experience a vehicle accident. If one occurs, you’ll know exactly what to do in both the immediate and in the following days. The better prepared you are, the better the outcomes will be.
The first preventative step you can take is to find an attorney who specializes in vehicle accident cases. Although you don’t need to engage an attorney at this point, you’ll need to have the contact information for an experienced attorney on file in your mobile phone because you’ll need it directly after a vehicle accident. Look for an auto accident attorney who has deep experience and knowledge in your state.
Conduct a brief phone conversation with a suitable lawyer and save the contact information on your mobile phone. Why? In the immediate aftermath of an accident, your first phone call should be to the police to report the accident and your second should be to your attorney. If you don’t have a lawyer, you’ll waste critical time and energy looking for one. Be prepared in the best possible way.
2. Common mistake: Unsafe or inappropriate reactions following a vehicle accident
Unsafe reactions immediately following a vehicle accident are, unfortunately, all too common. These may include stopping the vehicle in the middle of a traffic lane, walking around your car while it is in a traffic lane, or attempting to push a vehicle out of a traffic lane. On a highway, this is likely to cause another vehicle accident, or worse, another vehicle could hit you while you’re walking around. If you frequently drive on highways and anticipate an accident that could involve a commercial or semi-truck, contact a lawyer who specializes in these potentially devastating cases, such as a Delaware trucking accident lawyer. Look for guidance on preventing such accidents from the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state.
Inappropriate reactions to vehicle accidents are also, unfortunately, common. A vehicle accident causes a high rate of adrenaline to course through one’s body; it’s a natural response. That response, however, can cause someone to talk more than necessary, including inappropriately taking blame or fault for an accident. Carefully avoid this common mistake.
3. Common Mistake: Police or local authorities are not contacted
Regardless of the extent of damage in an auto accident, you’ll need to contact the police immediately to report the accident. This will allow you to receive next-step instructions from the police or local authorities who know what is needed to document the accident. Even if the other party insists there is no damage and, therefore, no need to contact the police, ensure that you do so. Even if the other party offers to pay for any damage out of pocket if you do not contact the police, do so anyway. No one, in the immediate, can determine the extent of damage or injuries that may show up days or even weeks later.
4. Common mistake: Contact information or insurance information is not exchanged between accident parties
If an accident seems “harmless” and not worth the time or trouble, many auto drivers just want to get on their way. However, this is a common and crucial mistake. Gathering the contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance card information is critical for the drivers of the vehicles involved. Personal injuries may be experienced hours or days later and auto damage may not be easily observed at the scene of an accident. Carefully collect all necessary information from the drivers involved in the accident.
5. Common mistake: Information from other vehicle drivers and bystanders is not collected
After an accident, other auto drivers or bystanders will often stop to help if it seems necessary. Typically, those individuals have witnessed the accident at the time it occurred. Take photos of the accident area and gather any evidence that suggests what caused the accident. Collect contact information from bystanders and other drivers, as it will be highly important in any proceedings that follow your accident.
6. Common mistake: Personal physician is not consulted after an accident
Your physician should be notified within hours of your accident. Regardless of whether you believe you were injured or not, a qualified physician should examine your spine, neck and other areas that will react as a result of the accident. It is especially important to have medical reports and x-rays available for your lawyer if a lawsuit ensues after your accident.
From finding an experienced auto accident attorney or truck accident lawyer, to collecting information, and protecting your health, you can effectively prepare ahead of an accident and avoid common mistakes after an accident. Wishing you safety and good health!
