Many people who are involved in a car wreck become very stressed because of the situation. This is understandable but reacting without thinking under these circumstances can lead to mistakes that impact your rights. It is imperative that you think carefully before you do anything.
Make sure that you determine whether you are injured or not. You’ll need to know if you should ask the emergency services dispatcher to send an ambulance. It might be a good idea to go to the doctor even if you don’t think you’re injured. Adrenaline can sometimes mask injuries so make sure that you pay close attention to how you feel in the days after the crash.
Try not to move the vehicles unless leaving them where they are poses a safety hazard. Sometimes, moving them is required by law, so this is an exception to the rule of not moving them. Make sure that you’re in a safe place while you wait for law enforcement and first responders.
Be careful of what you say after the crash, even at the scene and when you’re talking to friends and family members. Don’t ever say anything that might make someone think you’re taking responsibility for the wreck. Any construed admission of guilt could work against you if you’re seeking compensation.
Preserve the evidence from the accident. You can take pictures of the vehicles and the scene around them if you’re healthy enough to do so and if it’s safe. Don’t throw away the outfit you had on the day of the wreck. Anything that could be connected to the accident should be kept when possible.
Keep detailed records of what you have to do after the motor vehicle crash. This includes not only medical visits, but also when you have to miss work, what work you have to do to the vehicle, how much time you spend on the phone talking about the accident and similar things.
Only agree to a settlement if you’re attorney has reviewed it. You might be offered one after the automobile wreck, but going to court to recover damages might be in your best interests. You can’t limit your thinking only to what expenses you’ve already incurred. Instead, think about what you might face in the future so that you can limit your financial liability as much as possible.