Having a plan for how to handle the aftermath of a car crash is important. Knowing who to call and how to communicate with an insurance provider, for example, can take some of the panic out of someone’s initial response to this stressful situation.
People often make mistakes that could hurt their case if they hope to obtain compensation later. Therefore, it is equally important for people to have an understanding of what they should not do after a car crash as it is for them to know what steps they need to take when a wreck occurs.
Mistake: Failing to document the scene of the crash
Particularly when collisions occur on streets with higher speed limits, like interstates, or at locations with high traffic density, like busy intersections, people often feel pressured to move their vehicles as quickly as possible after the wreck. Taking just a minute or two to take pictures or record a video of the placement of the vehicles and other details of the scene of the crash can preserve crucial evidence that could play a major role in someone’s compensation claim later.
Mistake: Failing to report the crash to authorities
Connecticut state law mandates official reports for collisions involving substantial property damage or injuries to the people involved. Drivers without insurance, those who have a suspended license and those who have violated traffic laws are often eager to try to convince the other parties involved in a wreck to not report the matter officially. Agreeing to settle the matter privately leaves someone with little recourse if the person at fault does not follow through on their promises and could also leave them in violation of state statutes.
Mistake: Apologizing
Many people apologize more often than they technically need to, which can be a concern after a car crash. Someone who apologizes to the other driver, first responders or insurance adjusters could end up accused of being at least partially at fault for the crash. Many people interpret apologies as an admission of fault even when they are simply an attempt to be polite.
Those who know how to avoid the most common mistakes that may affect their eligibility for compensation after a wreck will likely have less to worry about regarding how they will pay to repair their vehicles or cover their lost wages after a crash occurs.
