If you drive a car, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle on the roadways, chances are that even the safest driver will find themselves involved in a fender bender once or twice. Accidents can range from minor scratches and dings on your vehicle, to fatalities. Hopefully you never find yourself in this situation, but if you do, here are some key Do’s and Don’ts .
DO take pictures at the scene. Most of us have cell phones with cameras, and these can be useful tools later should you find yourself in court or fighting an insurance company to pay out.
DON’T admit fault. Even if you know you made a driving mistake, a lot happens in split seconds, and you don’t know that the other driver did or did not also contribute to the accident occurring by making a mistake himself. Never admit fault, as if you find yourself in court your excited admission could be brought in as evidence of fault, and at the time, you simply do not know all the facts and circumstances.
DO call the police if the accident warrants it, especially if you believe the other driver was at fault. The police can sort out fault and issue appropriate tickets, or make a record of the accident occurring (date, time, vehicles and persons involved, etc.).
DO get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses that stop to help or first responders, such as police officers, tow truck drivers, EMTs, etc.
DO seek medical attention if you think you are injured. Whiplash can show symptoms several days after the accident. If you do seek medical attention, keep careful notes and files of your doctor’s visits, the clinics or hospitals you visit, the dates and times of the visit, and any costs (including those your health or auto insurance paid on your behalf).
We hope that you have found this information to be helpful in understanding some Do’s and Don’ts of auto accidents should you ever find yourself in one. This is not intended to be legal advice. If you have questions or concerns about your specific case, CIYOU & DIXON, P.C. can help evaluate your specific case. This blog post was written by Attorney, Lori B. Schmeltzer.
