Imagine driving through Aurora on your way to work. You leave at your usual time, follow your usual route and even stop at the corner café for your usual cup of coffee.
Unfortunately, what should have been a normal day at work literally goes sideways when another driver runs a stop light and slams into your car, pushing you across the intersection. Once things come to a stop, you may be wondering what to do next.
You probably know some of the things you should do after a car accident such as exchanging information, and getting statements and contact information from witnesses. However, do you know what you shouldn’t do after a car accident?
Don’t leave your car in the street
If possible, you should always move your vehicle out of the way of traffic after a wreck. If you leave your vehicle in the street, it could end up causing an additional accident if another driver fails to see it in the road.
Furthermore, you could suffer additional injuries by staying with your vehicle. If it is impossible to move your car to the side of the street, be very careful about getting out of the car and moving to a safe area.
Don’t discount your injuries
While it may seem like you only have minor injuries consisting of a few bumps and bruises, do not assume that they are not serious. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to get the treatment you need so that an easily treatable injury does not turn into something debilitating. For instance, it could take days or weeks to realize you are suffering from internal bleeding if you do not see a doctor immediately after a car accident.
Don’t take responsibility
Even if it seems like any reasonable person would see that the other driver was 100 percent at fault, an insurance company can take an innocent statement, like an apology, as an admission of guilt and deny your claim.
When you are talking to the other driver, the police and the insurance company, do not apologize for the accident or make any other statements that could be misconstrued as an admission of fault. Instead, let the police that come to the scene make an assessment about who was at fault based on the circumstances of the accident.
If you are ever in a car accident, remember the above tips to avoid a misstep that could lead to more damage or cost you the insurance settlement you deserve. Remember that in those first moments, what you don’t do is just as important as what actions you do take.
Amoni Law Offices, P.C. is located in Aurora, IL and serves clients in and around Aurora, Sugar Grove, Batavia, Elburn, North Aurora, Mooseheart, Bristol, Big Rock, Kane County and Kendall County.
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