What Not To Do After A Car Accident

A car accident is a traumatic event, and it’s impossible to be fully prepared for a crash of any magnitude. Whether the accident is a minor fender-bender or a major collision, there are some things you shouldn’t do, which this blog will explore in greater detail: 

1. Never Admit Fault 

Even if you believe that you’re at least partly responsible for the crash, you shouldn’t admit fault to the driver, other witnesses, or the police officer. Even saying, “I’m sorry,” out of politeness can easily be misconstrued as you meaning that you’re the one at fault. When officers arrive, you’ll most likely be asked to provide details regarding the incident, and if you feel comfortable, you can go ahead and give your version of events but don’t admit fault. 

2. Don’t Accuse the Other Party of Fault In the Beginning

You may have strong reason to believe that the other driver was at fault, but do your best to stick to objective details only. It’s possible that you may have saw the other driver on their phone, leading to a crash, but for the initial police report, leave out any potential theories and just stick to what happened. Later when talking to an attorney, you can provide additional insights into the full scope of what you believe happened. 

3. Don’t Forget to Call 911

There’s a common misconception that if a car crash doesn’t result in any major physical damage, then you don’t need to call 911. However, you should still call 911 regardless of the damage extent because both parties will still need to communicate with the authorities. 

4. Don’t Ignore Receiving Medical Attention 

You probably won’t have to receive medical care if the crash in question is a vehicle bumping into your car while backing out of a parking space. However, if a crash leads to any physical damage, it’s a good idea to have your medical situation checked out. A minor scratch or bruise can actually be covering internal damage, like internal bleeding. Getting checked out by EMTs on the scene or later on by your primary care provider also means a medical report, a new piece of evidence you can use to build your case. 

5. Don’t Discuss Your Case, Especially On Social Media

It’s natural and understandable that you’ll have to tell your immediate family members and maybe even a couple of close friends. However, it’s best to limit the people you tell, especially when working with an attorney, as doing so can compromise the case. You also should never share any details on social media. If somehow word gets around (such as a newspaper documenting the accident and your neighbors being able to determine it was your car) simply tell them that you’ve been advised by your attorney not to speak about the incident. 

Lastly, don’t forget to work with a Newark car accident lawyer, as they can help you build your case and help secure a better settlement, something our friends at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. deal with often.