What Not To Do After A Car Accident

The more you know about what you should do in the event of a crash, the more they will become second nature to you. That way, in the overwhelming event of a car accident you will not have to worry and wonder about what to do next, or are you doing the right thing. These steps are in place to protect you and your interests.

There are also, however, things that it is in your best interest to not do after a car accident which will serve to protect you and your interests in the same manner. One of the first things you should do is contact an experienced Southern California automobile accident attorney to protect your rights.

Leave the Scene of the Accident

California law states that anyone who has been involved in a car accident, that has resulted in injury to a person, death to a person, or property damage, must immediately stop their vehicle and remain at the scene of the accident. As soon as possible you need to call 911. Let them know if anyone requires medical help and wait for the police and emergency crews (if necessary) to arrive at the scene.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you could be facing misdemeanor or even felony charges if you flee the scene. If you or someone else involved in the accident need medical assistance it is best that you wait for emergency medical personnel. Once the police have been contacted, you should also contact a Los Angeles area personal injury attorney as soon as you can.

Neglect to Call 911

Many motorists may be under the false impression that they do not need to alert the police if the car accident is minor or if there are no injuries. The reality of the situation is that the police need to be notified regardless of the severity of the accident. A police report can play a crucial evidentiary role in determining who was at fault in the accident and also in any subsequent lawsuits that may arise.

A police report will also include vital information including the time and place at which the car accident occurred, the names and contact information of the other drivers involved, as well as pertinent insurance information. The police report is a necessary piece of documentation that you should not leave the scene of a car accident without.

Admit Fault

Avoid admitting fault or anything that sounds like it at all costs. This is no way a suggestion that you behave dishonestly. You need to call 911 and tell them what happened, collect the information of the people involved, and answer questions addressed to you by the police honestly. What you should avoid doing is apologizing to anyone for the car accident or otherwise admitting fault. This kind of statement can come back to haunt you with not only an insurance adjuster but in any resulting lawsuit as well.

You should avoid posting anything on social media platforms that talks about whose fault the accident was, the extent of your injuries, or how you feel physically or emotionally. All of these things can also be used against you by insurance companies and in a court of law. It is also unwise to speak to the other party’s insurance company without your own personal injury attorney present.

Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in injury or property damage in the Los Angeles area, you need to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at the Los Angeles Injury Group will pursue all available avenues of obtaining any legal compensation that you are entitled to while making sure your rights remain protected. Call (310) 954-7248 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys today.