A car crash is bad enough – don’t make it worse with mistakes afterwards.

Being involved in a car crash in Washington State is an unexpected stressful experience. However, many drivers make several key mistakes after being involved in a car accident. You should really avoid these top mistakes.

1. Admitting Fault

Whether you caused the accident or not, never say anything that could be taken as admitting fault. In other words, if you were not at fault or if you’re uncertain who was at fault, don’t apologize to the other driver.

When speaking to insurance providers you need to be very careful with what you say. You may invalidate any claims made later by admitting fault to an insurance company, even if you are technically owed compensation.

2. Leaving the Scene of the Accident

If there has been an injury or damage to someone’s vehicle as a result of an accident you have been part of, it is against the law to leave the scene of the accident. You are required to stop and exchange contact information and insurance details for any claim you make later.

It’s also common courtesy to ensure any injured persons receive proper medical attention before you leave the scene.

3. Failing to Gather Evidence

It is important to take photos of the accident scene to submit as evidence later on. Try to take photos or video from as many angles as possible before any vehicles are moved.

It is beneficial to take photos or video of any stop signs, obstacles, and lights that obscure the view of the road. Also, to ensure you have the correct information, remember to take a photo of the other vehicle’s license plate.

4. Not Going to a Doctor

It is critical that you seek immediate medical attention if you’ve been hurt in a car accident, particularly if you’ve sustained a serious injury such as whiplash.

Go to the doctor to get an assessment, even if you think it’s unnecessary. The doctor’s report will provide additional evidence for your case. If you put in a claim for personal injury, this is one of the first documents insurance companies request.

5. Accepting the First Insurance Offer

Insurance companies first settlement offer is almost always lower than they are prepared to pay. Most people, however, accept this immediately. It’s best to have an attorney review the settlement and give you their expert advice because you may be entitled to much more than their offer.

6. Not Hiring an Attorney

Many people filing an insurance claim, believe they don’t need an attorney. But, as we have seen, insurance firms often offer far less than you deserve. Besides, it can be stressful dealing with an insurance company, particularly if you’re recovering from injuries.

At Cunnane Law, we are expert car crash lawyers. We serve Edmonds, Shoreline, Mukilteo, and all the north Puget Sound area. Get in touch with us today if you have suffered a personal injury in a car crash, and we will handle the case for you and work to ensure you receive the best settlement possible.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.