Did you know that, according to Fox News, the average American will be in a car accident every 17.9 years? Luckily, you’re quite likely to walk away from a car accident with only a few minor scrapes and bruises. However, you need to consider that in a car accident it isn’t just you who’s involved.
In the event of a car accident, it is perfectly possible that the other party will be injured, either physically or financially. To seek recompense, they may hire experienced injury attorneys and try to pull you into court to settle a car accident compensation claim. While there is never any guarantee when it comes to legal outcomes, by doing the right things following a car accident, you’ll be better able to defend yourself, should you have to answer a car accident injury claim.
Five Things You Should Be Sure to Do Following a Car Accident
- Take a Second to Try and Relax
- Stay Put
- If You Can, Get Your Vehicle Out of the Way of Traffic
- Mum is the Word
- Alert the Proper Authorities
As State Farm writes, the first thing you should do after a car accident is calm yourself. The last thing you need is to get out of the car slinging curse words like they’re going out of fashion, giving the other driver and any lawyers they hire to seek car accident compensation extra ammunition. Take a deep breath and then continue.
One of the worst things you can do when trying to avoid legal trouble after a car accident is flee the scene. As HowStuffWorks details, fleeing the scene of the accident can actually lead you with a felony charge, depending on the state you live in. Stay where you are and be a responsible driver.
Unless your vehicle is so badly banged up that you can’t drive it out of the way of oncoming traffic, you really should try to get it over to the shoulder. As Edmunds points out, doing so will not only help keep you safe but the other drivers as well.
For Cars.com, the very best thing drivers can do to avoid being made to pay car accident compensation is to keep their mouths shut following an accident. Any conversation you have with the other driver should be limited to asking them for their license and insurance information. Don’t admit fault — don’t say anything at all. You don’t need to give them anything more to work with.
It can be awfully tempting to take an offer of cash on the spot following an accident. However, as About.com reports, unless you call the police and file an official police report with both parties present, there is no guarantee you still won’t be dragged into a court room. Better safe than sorry here.
Are you an experienced injury attorney? What tips would you give those wondering what they can do after car accidents to better defend themselves? Let us know in the comments below. Reference links: gatewaylawyers.com