In the aftermath of an auto accident, it is important to keep a cool head. The experience will likely cause you a lot of fear and anxiety. There are important steps you should take, like interviewing witnesses and getting license plate information from the other driver. However, there are some things you should not do following an automobile accident.
If the other driver is at fault, it is possible the other motorist will try to redirect the blame back to you. You want to make sure you do not accidentally derail your case through mistakes or hasty action. Fortunately, as FindLaw explains, you can easily refrain from these mistakes if you know what they are in advance.
Refrain from apologizing
If you speak with the other driver involved with the accident, you might want to smooth things over by apologizing for some part of the accident. However, any apology on your part may count as an admission of guilt for causing the collision. Not only could an apology deny you compensation, but the other driver might use your words to hold you responsible for the incident.
Keep accident discussions to certain parties
There should be no trouble discussing your accident with the police, an attorney and your insurance company, but talking about your case on social media or with anyone outside of your trusted circle of relatives could cause problems for you down the road. If you post text or images of your accident online, representatives for the other driver might see your post and try to use it against you. Also be careful if the insurance company for the other driver calls you. Exercise good manners but direct them to your attorney or your insurer to schedule an interview.
Do not accept an early settlement
The other insurance company might approach you with an early settlement offer. Signing a settlement too early, however, may deny you coverage that you might need in the future. Even if you think you have only suffered minor injuries, sometimes symptoms do not surface until later. You do not want to sign a settlement until you know the full extent of your medical bills. Also, having legal counsel review the settlement before signing it may alert you to unfavorable provisions.