Sadly, road accidents are frighteningly common. Road casualty statistics make for uneasy reading, so we wouldn’t blame you if you decided to stop driving for good. That would certainly be one way to save on your car insurance! Of course, this isn’t always practical, especially when you have a family to transport from A to B and a job to travel to on a daily basis.

Still, there is much you can do to avoid getting into a car accident, from being a careful driver to making sure your car is roadworthy. However, when other drivers are also factored into the equation, you can’t rule out the chances of a collision entirely. Should such an event ever happen to you, there are a few things you should never do after the accident has taken place.

1: Don’t underestimate your injuries

Admittedly, not every road accident will result in an injury. However, if you feel even the slightest amount of pain, you should still seek medical attention. Minor injuries can turn into more serious injuries, especially if a bone has been chipped or broken, or if your back or head were affected in any way. At the very least, you will be offered medication for your pain. And if your injuries are worse than you expected, you will receive the treatment you need before they get any worse. 

2: Don’t neglect legal help

If you have suffered injuries, you may be owed compensation, so call on the services of tough and aggressive injury lawyers to help you win your claim. Call on the services of a lawyer if you know you weren’t at fault for the accident too, as you will need that legal help if you are blamed for the collision that happened. Of course, if you are to blame, you can also benefit from a lawyer, as they will help minimise any charge brought against you. 

3: Don’t leave the scene without speaking to the police first

The police can help establish who was at fault in the accident, so if you know you weren’t to blame, they can be of service to you. They will speak to you, the other driver, and nearby witness, and they will assess the road conditions too. They might then decide the other driver was at fault, or they might place the blame on the road, especially if there is a pothole or another hazard. The report they file will help you when you report the accident to your insurance company, so even if your accident is minor, still give the police a call. 

You should also stick around if the other person calls the police. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence and you could face a prison sentence as a consequence. You don’t necessarily need to own up to the accident then and there, so once again, get legal help before you do or say something you might later regret. 

Let’s hope you are never involved in a road accident. Be a safe and sensible driver and do what you can to minimise the chances. But if you are, remember what we have said in this article. You will make life easier for yourself if you do, which is especially important when you’re dealing with the shock of what has happened to you. 

Related posts:

Useful legal tips to help you overcome a road accident How to get the compensation you deserve after a car accident What you should know if you’ve been injured in a Chicago taxi accident How can mums properly deal with a car crash from a legal perspective