Vehicle accidents can be terrifying experiences, and the immediate aftermath of a crash is often chaotic for those involved. You may be aware of various steps that you should take following a crash in order to help ensure that you are cared for and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. However, it is just as important to remember what steps not to take following a vehicle accident. Here, the car accident attorneys at Johnson, Zegen, Scott & Williams, PLLC want to offer a few tips about what you need to avoid doing following a car accident.
It is absolutely critical that you do not leave the scene of a crash anywhere in Texas. In almost every auto accident scenario, leaving the scene of a crash before reporting the incident or exchanging information with the other drivers involved will be considered hit and run, which is a misdemeanor offense and could be criminally punished. Even if the other driver suggests that it is not a big deal and that the authorities do not need to be called, you need to stay at the scene and report the incident to the police.
Any person involved in a vehicle accident in or around the Dallas area must seek medical care as soon as possible. There are a few reasons why medical care is so important, the first of which is that your well-being must be considered. Even if you do not feel much pain immediately following the crash, please understand that adrenaline can mask the signs and symptoms of many vehicle accident injuries. When you go to the doctor, they can check to make sure that you do not have any unseen injuries.
In addition to ensuring your well-being, the act of seeking medical care immediately after a crash will help establish a direct link between the accident and your injuries, something that will be important when it comes to securing compensation.
Under no circumstances should you ever admit fault following a vehicle accident, even if you are sure that you caused the incident. The reality is that you never know what other factors contributed to the incident, and there may be other parties at fault. Let the law enforcement officials who respond to the scene, as well as the insurance carriers, conduct an investigation to determine liability. Even saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” to other people involved could be construed as accepting liability, so make sure that you do not make any statements taking the blame.
If you are able to do so after a crash occurs, you can begin gathering evidence on your own. If you are like most people, then you have a cell phone with a camera attached. You can use this camera to take photographs of vehicle damage, injuries, license plates, debris, skid marks, traffic and weather conditions, and more.
Additionally, you should gather the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash, as well as the names, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of any other driver involved. Make note of any video surveillance cameras near the scene of the crash that you see, as they could contain valuable video footage that could prove liability.
We are conditioned to jump on social media anytime something major happens in our lives, including vehicle accidents. We strongly encourage you to stay away from Facebook, Instagram, your blog, TikTok, and any other social media platform. Do not post about the incident or any injuries you may have sustained. You can be sure that the insurance carriers and at-fault parties will be looking out for these posts, grasping for any reason to deny your claim. Even if you think your privacy settings are top-notch, the reality is that there are ways to see your posts that you may not realize.
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a car accident caused by the negligent actions of another driver in or around the Dallas area, reach out to the team at Johnson, Zegen, Scott & Williams, PLLC for help today. Our attorneys have the resources necessary to fully investigate your claim and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. This can include coverage of your medical bills, lost income, property damage expenses, pain and suffering losses, and more. When you need a Dallas car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling us at 214-295-2900.