If you are involved in a car accident, it can be a confusing and overwhelming situation. Even if it’s just a minor fender bender, you may wonder what to do next.
The minutes and hours after a car accident are important. If you make mistakes, it may compromise your ability to hold the responsible party liable. Because of this, it’s crucial that you know what some of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident are.
Mistake: Leaving the scene
Never leave the scene of the accident. Even if the other driver flees, make sure you stay to report the situation to the authorities. In some situations, leaving the scene of an accident can even result in criminal charges. The bottom line: Make sure you stay put (somewhere safe nearby, of course).
Mistake: Admitting fault or apologizing
Another common mistake people make after a car accident is apologizing or admitting fault in some way after the accident. While saying “I’m sorry” may seem polite after an accident, you should avoid doing this. In fact, it’s best to keep conversations with the other driver to a minimum. This will help prevent you from saying something that may be used against you down the road.
Mistake: Talking to an insurance adjuster
Insurance adjusters don’t have your best interests in mind. Even if they seem nice and caring, they are trying to protect their company’s bottom line. Because of this, it is best to be very careful about what you say, and it’s never a good idea to provide a written or recorded statement.
Avoiding mistakes after a car accident
If you are involved in a car accident in Virginia, taking the right steps afterward is a must. It’s also important to avoid the most common mistakes that are made, which have been described here.