What Not To Do After A Car Accident
What you do after a car accident is important. It’s equally important to know what not to do after a car accident. Mistakes that you can make after a crash can derail your opportunity to get a fair recovery and speed up the process of getting you back on your feet. Here are things to avoid after a car accident.
Table of Contents
Don’t Leave the Scene of a Car Accident
Utah law requires drivers who are in an accident to stay at the scene and report the accident. If you leave the scene of a car accident, you may be charged with a criminal offense. In addition, it creates the impression that you believe you are at fault for the accident. It can also increase your legal liability. Stay at the scene until you have complied with the requirements to report the accident and exchange information with the other driver.
Don’t Admit Fault
After an accident, it can be easy to want to say — I’m sorry! But this simple phrase can derail your legal claim. What is just an expression of sympathy may be interpreted as an expression of fault. Right after an accident occurs, you don’t have complete information to know if you are at fault or not. Plus, you may not have a complete understanding of what legal fault is or how it’s determined. The best bet is to simply gather the facts and arrange for medical attention for anyone injured.
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Reporting the accident is just the beginning. Don’t forget to follow up to prove and document your case. You need to speak with witnesses, gather your medical records, detail your lost work, and document the amount of property damage. An attorney for car accidents can help you determine the specific follow-ups that are necessary for the unique circumstances of your case.
