Car Insurance Articles
What NOT To Do After A Car Accident
2008-02-29
Being involved in a car accident is a frightening situation for all parties involved. For many people, the first response may be to jump out of their vehicle and point fingers. Unfortunately, all this will do is anger the other driver and/or the police officers at the scene and may even make you look guilty, even if you did nothing wrong. While there are things to do to help the situation, it is just as important to know what steps not to do after car accident. By avoiding the following behaviors, you will make the situation better for everyone involved; yourself included.
1. Don’t lose control - One of the worst things you can do after a car accident is get angry and stomp around yelling and screaming. It’s called an accident for a reason; even if the other person was at fault, the chances that they meant to run into you are slim to none and they probably already feel horrible about the situation. Stay as calm as possible and things will go much smoother.
2. Don’t leave - This is by far the worst thing you can do after you’ve been involved in an accident. Even if the driver of the other vehicle isn’t present, make every attempt to find them. If you cannot find the other driver, make sure you leave all your contact and insurance information so they can find you. Being the guilty party in a hit and run can get you a ticket or even jail time.
3. Don’t lie - You will want to be as honest as possible with the other driver, the police, your insurance agent and even yourself. This doesn’t mean you have to take blame. Avoid that situation at all costs, but if the information you give incriminates you, you will still need to be honest.
4. Don’t take the blame - Even if you rear end a parked car, don’t accept blame. Let the police do their job and investigate the accident. If you were at fault, they will be sure to let you know.
5. Don’t argue - Just because you are keeping your cool doesn’t mean that the other driver is going to as well. Remember that they are just as upset as you are and this may cause them to yell, rant and call you names. Be as polite as possible and if they won’t back down return to your vehicle until the police arrive.
6. Don’t leave the police out of it - Many people think that involving the police in a minor accident is a waste of time. This is a huge mistake. Failing to involve the police, even in a minor accident could be more trouble down the line if the other party refuses to pay for damages or disappears.
7. Don’t call your insurance right away - If you are in a minor accident, the repairs may cost less than your deductible. Figure this out first. If you submit it to your insurance, your premium rates will increase, so examine the damages and financial repercussions carefully.
8. Don’t become the detective - Another big mistake some people make after they are involved in an accident is trying to find out what caused it and who was at fault. After you have ensured that all parties involved are okay and basic information has been exchanged, leave the detective work to the professionals. Not only will this help keep yours and the other driver’s blood pressure lower, the police will appreciate you not stepping on their toes.
9. Don’t harass the other party - Even if you have the phone number and address of the other driver, leave them alone. Let the police and the insurance companies do their jobs in handling your claim. Contacting the other driver after the accident could be viewed as harassment and land you in jail.
The most important step after car accident is that you need to stay calm. Keeping a level head will help you avoid one of the pitfalls that many drivers find them selves in after they have been involved in a car accident. Avoiding losing your temper will help you be safer both after an accident and may even help you avoid it in the first place.