Over 75% of American adults operate a motor vehicle on a daily basis. Most people lose sight of just how dangerous driving can be over time. Taking your eye off of the road for even a second can lead to accidents occurring. Even if you take proper precautions behind the wheel, there is no way of guaranteeing the drivers around you are doing the same.
There is no denying just how scary it can be to crash your car. Instead of letting the shock of the situation lead to bad decision-making, you need to take control. Read below for a list of mistakes you need to avoid if you are involved in a car accident in 2021.
Failing to Gather Evidence At The Scene
In the moments after you have been hit by another car, you will feel anxious and confused. Once you regain your composure, your first instinct should be to gather evidence. If you know that the accident you have been involved in is not your fault, you need to be on the defense. The injuries that you can sustain in a car accident can put you out of work for months, even years. Getting compensation for your injuries is only possible if you can prove the other driver was negligent.
It will be much easier to prove this if you have pictures of the damage done and statements from people who witnessed the accident. When going in to meet with a lawyer, they will want to see evidence before they decide to take the case. You are more likely to get the help of a personal injury lawyer if they feel that your case is easy to win. Using your smartphone at the scene of the accident allows you to gather the photos you need in court.
Contacting the Police is a No-Brainer
One of the biggest mistakes you can make following a car accident is not calling the police. Some people think that if the damage done during a car accident isn’t significant, there is no need for a police report. There are many injuries that aren’t immediately evident after a car accident. Conditions like internal bleeding and whiplash get worse over time. Without proper documentation of your accident, getting compensation for your injuries will be nearly impossible.
This is why you need to contact the authorities immediately after being involved in a car accident. The members of law enforcement that arrive at the scene will fill out an in-depth accident report.
Settling Before Seeking Out Legal Representation
Are you receiving phone calls from insurance agents representing the other party involved in your car accident? If so, you need to seek out legal representation before agreeing to any settlement. A lawyer can help you get the fair settlement you need to get back on your feet.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
If you have been involved in a car accident, contact Marcus Gomez for a free legal consultation.