April 04, 2019
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What would you do if you found yourself in an auto accident? Your answer could mean the difference between jail time and a safe drive home.

Though that may sound dramatic, there are thousands of incidents on roadways across the globe each and every day.

Knowing how to handle an auto accident — even if it’s not your fault — is an important part of roadway safety.

Make sure you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario. Read up on these seven tips about what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault and stay safe.

  1. Admitting Fault

Accidents can shake us to our very core. You may be so nervous that you exit your vehicle and immediately begin apologizing.

Though it seems like the right thing to do, you’re actually hurting your case.

An apology qualifies as an admission of guilt. As soon as you utter “I’m sorry” the tables turn and the accident suddenly becomes your fault.

It’s okay to check on the other party or parties. But do your best to refrain from apologizing.

  1. Not Calling The Police

It doesn’t matter if everyone involved in the accident is fine, the police still need to visit the scene and document everyone’s accounts of the accident.

Yes, even if it was only a fender bender.

Once you’ve checked on the other parties and assessed any damage to your vehicles, alert the police immediately.

  1. Failing to Seek Medical Treatment

This is one of the most common yet dangerous mistakes people make. Not all accident injuries occur at the moment of a collision.

Some smaller, nagging yet serious injuries like whiplash or back injuries can pop up weeks later. Don’t delay your medical treatment.

Be it a scrape, bruise, or full-on concussion, get yourself checked out by a medical professional as soon as you’re able to leave the scene.

You may require chiropractic treatment or accident rehab.

  1. Not Documenting the Incident

A police report of the accident isn’t enough to satisfy your insurance company. You’ll need to document the accident yourself, as well.

Here are a few things to make a note of:

  • Vehicle makes and models.
  • Photos of the other driver’s or drivers’ license plate(s).
  • Time at which the accident occurred.
  • The area in which the accident occurred, including road names.
  • Insurance information of all parties involved.

The more documentation you have, the better. It’s better to have too much information and not need it than be up a creek when the other party chooses to sue.

  1. Not Holding Your Insurance Company Accountable

You pay a hefty monthly premium for events just like this. Surely your insurance company has your back, right?

Well, not so fast. Insurance companies will do everything in their power to pay the bare minimum. In fact, their first line of defense is often to avoid paying at all.

You deserve better. Don’t put up with your insurance company’s frustrating tactics.
Never accept the first settlement offer, and, if needed, seek legal counsel.

  1. Fleeing the Scene

By far the worst thing a person can do is flee the scene of an accident.

Aside from the moral implications, fleeing the scene is illegal. And the consequences of a hit-and-run accident are no laughing matter. You could face thousands of dollars in fines as well as prison time.

It doesn’t matter if you’re scared, don’t have insurance, or have an emergency, stay put. It’s in your own best interest.

  1. Ignoring Your Mental Health

Car accidents take a toll on us mentally as well as physically. But your mental well-being matters every bit as much as your physical health.

If you find it hard to get behind the wheel after an accident, consider reaching out and talking to a specialist.

What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault

Knowing the proper protocol for what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault can have a massive impact on your life. These tips can help you make sure everyone’s safe, healthy, and legally secure.

And while we hope you never have to use these tips, keep them in mind next time you get on the road. They may just save someone’s life.

If you’ve been in an auto accident and are suffering from back pain, schedule an appointment today.

 

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