It is an unfortunate fact of life that car crashes are an occupational hazard for modern drivers. The statistics on the likelihood of experiencing a lethal crash make for grim reading, and cast an undeniable shadow over modern motoring.
One of the most troubling things about the likelihood of finding yourself at scene of a car crash is that you have to cope with an incredibly difficult situation at a time when you are least able to do so. Even minor crashes can cause panic and injury, which can make clear thinking extremely challenging. There is no way of predicting how you may do if you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a crash but it is worth knowing what you shouldn’t do. Below, we have put together a list of things people tend to get wrong after a car accident – if you can avoid these, then you’ll be doing very well indeed…
#1 – Failing to take pictures
Taking pictures in the aftermath of a car crash may seem like an odd decision, but can be genuinely helpful when managing the legal and insurance processes that arise in the future. When the other driver leaves with their vehicle, the evidence of the damage sustained goes with them – which could lead to a false claim against you. By taking photographs, you have a visual record of what actually happened and how much damage was sustained, so grab your smartphone, snap a few photos, and then email them to yourself so you have a third-party date and timestamp on them.
#2 – Admitting liability
Even if you believe you are at fault, don’t say this. You can apologize to the other driver for the accident, but without directly saying that you caused it. You may later discover that the accident wasn’t your fault – for example, evidence emerges to show the other driver was texting at the time of the crash – so try to avoid assumptions and admissions of fault on your part.
#3 – Overlooking injuries
Even minor crashes can cause serious injuries, so it’s always worth a check-up just to ensure all is well.
It is also worth noting that injuries are not necessarily physical, either; you will likely feel shaken after a crash, and are almost certainly not safe to drive in the immediate aftermath. Call a tow service to collect your car – if it’s driveable – and don’t drive again until you are sure you’re mentally prepared to do so.
#4 – Driving a damaged car
Just because you car can be driven doesn’t mean that it should be driven. It’s impossible to know if there are any underlying issues that have been caused by the crash, so have a mechanic check everything over prior to getting back behind the wheel.
In conclusion
If you can try to remember not to do the following things in the aftermath of a crash, then everything else should slot into place. Hopefully, you can take this advice to heart but never need to implement it; but if you do find yourself in a crash, it’ll be helpful to know what you need to avoid.
