Car Accident: What to Do and What Not to Do

Photo by Will Creswick on Unsplash

You hear about accidents in the newspaper and think that this is something that will not happen to you. But, if you are rational, you know such assumptions are simply wrong. Data shows that thousands of people die every year due to car crashes. In 2021 more than 46,000 people died in America due to car accidents; let that number sink in. So, one must be prepared for the worst while driving. Nobody is asking you to expect a car accident; you need to be prepared if something bad happens.

Most people are numb with shock and don’t know how to face the situation or what to do when faced with an accident. Some blame it on the other driver, and some take it without knowing what happened. You don’t want to make such mistakes that have serious consequences. Continue reading this article to learn how to avoid tricky situations when facing a vehicle accident.

THE DOS: You were in a car accident; maybe it was you driving the vehicle, maybe not. You don’t know whose fault it was. Was it yours or the other driver’s coming from a different direction? It happened all too fast, and you could not process it. You are unsure of what happened.

• Calm Down: You need to calm down. Yes, it isn’t easy to be calm during such a situation. But you have to try. If you freak out, you are going to make wrong decisions.
• Health Comes First: Once you calm down a bit, it is time to check on the passengers of the car and see if they are all right. If you are not sure about the injury, it is always wise to call 911 and go for a thorough check-up.
• Exchange Information: You must gather information regarding the accident. This information will come in handy later. Make sure you get the contact number and address of the other driver involved in the accident. You must also take the contact information of the witnesses present. Note the license plate number and other relevant information about the other vehicle.
• Take Photos: Take pictures of the vehicles and of the other driver. Make sure you take plenty of pictures of the road, especially if there are potholes, or the road is covered in ice.

THE DON’TS: It is easier to lose your mind and take the wrong decision at such a moment. But, learn what mistakes you must avoid in order to be safe.

• Don’t Panic: As mentioned before, stay calm and don’t panic. You are going to be all right. Things are going to be all right.
• Don’t Sign Anything: If the other driver wants you to sign paperwork that says it was not his fault, don’t sign it. If they pay you money upfront and ask you to sign some paperwork, don’t do it.
• Don’t Take The Blame: Even if it looks like your fault, don’t take the blame right away. You don’t know the different scenarios that could have led to this outcome. Maybe the other driver has some medical condition that prevents him from being behind the wheel. Maybe it’s his fault and his fault alone. Therefore, unless and until you have your lawyer present, don’t sign anything and don’t accept fault.

Many people employ car accident lawyers in Largo, FL, to represent them in court. A car accident lawyer knows the intricacies of the situation well and can provide their clients with the assistance they deserve. A lawyer will also help claim the settlement and get their clients the justice they deserve.