Who, What, and How We Represent Matters.
Values-driven personal injury lawyers in Austin, Texas here to listen, educate, and help in any way we can.
Contact Us

5 Things You Should Avoid Doing After a Car Accident

At some point, you will likely find yourself dazed and confused after being in a car accident. Whether it is a major collision or just a minor fender bender, it is important that you know how to react, what steps to take, and what steps not to take. Car accidents can do more than just dampen your day—they can cost you extensive amounts of money, time, and frustration.

All of these factors are even more serious if you have suffered an injury.

So what should you ensure you DON’T do following your car accident?

1. Leave Without Exchanging Adequate Information

We know that it can be stressful to be in a car accident, especially when you have suffered serious injuries. If you weren’t immediately taken away for medical attention, make sure you exchange proper information with the other driver. This includes insurance information, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other relevant information.

Also, try to get contact information from any witnesses that may be able to provide insight on what happened in the accident. Even if you think you have enough information, make sure you get more than you need to be on the safe side.

2. Admit Fault, Apologize, or Accept Blame

While you may feel emotional in the moment, never apologize to the other driver or passengers involved—even if you believe you shared some of the blame. It is easy to get confused and feel guilty after an accident, regardless of who really caused it.

If the other driver is blaming you, make sure to keep your cool. Stay level-headed, only communicating with the other driver to make sure they are ok and then to exchange information. If they try to discuss what happened or get heated, simply step away from the conversation.

3. Forget to Call the Police to the Scene & Wait

Even in cases where only seemingly minor damage and injuries occurred, make sure you call the police. This will help ensure an official report is filed regarding the accident. You can later request that this report be used in court if it is helpful to your case. This also ensures that the other driver exchanges the proper information with you.

If the police are called, wait for them to arrive. While this may seem like common sense, it could easily slip your mind after the confusion of the accident. Even if you have already exchanged information with the other driver, never leave if you know or think the police may be on their way. If you are gone when they arrive, it could lead to hit-and-run accusations, even if you didn’t cause the incident.

4. Avoid Getting Immediate Medical Care or Attention

Just a flesh wound? Despite how minor you think your injuries are after a car accident, make sure you follow up with your doctor to get a proper medical assessment. Some injuries won’t show any symptoms until days or even weeks after your accident, making it important to have a professional review your health and condition early on.

If you notice any pain, aches, or symptoms later on, be sure to visit your doctor again to check up on your health. Proper documentation of your injuries will be crucial when trying to settle a claim with insurance companies.

5. Jump on the First Settlement Offer Without Counsel

After all the chaos of the accident, it may be extremely tempting to accept the first deal the other driver’s insurance company offers. If you don’t have an Austin personal injury attorney on your side, you could easily be lowballed by the insurance company. This means you deserve much more compensation than they are offering, however, they are trying to take advantage of the fact that you likely don’t know typical laws regarding car accidents.

When injuries are involved, insurance companies rarely take into account all the future medical expenses and pain and suffering you may face. That is why seeking a reliable advocate to review your case and handle insurance negotiations can be extremely beneficial.

At FVF Law, our Austin car accident lawyers can help you recover the financially deserved compensation. Call us to discuss your case!

Latest Articles
Understanding Texas Policy Limits After an Accident

If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the law allows you to collect damages from the at-fault party, including compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, quality of life losses, and…

Understanding Third-Party Liability in Texas Construction Accidents

In Texas, construction workers face numerous hazards and injury risks daily. Construction is the deadliest job in the country, according to national injury statistics. Unfortunately, human error further increases the odds of construction accidents, injuries…

What Is My Texas Car Accident Claim Worth?

A car accident can be expensive, but it’s not the money that changes victims’ lives. After a crash in Texas, you could be looking at serious and painful injuries that impact your ability to enjoy…

How Much Is a Permanent Injury Worth in Texas?

Permanent injuries will impact your life forever. For this reason, it is crucial to understand the value of your claim so that you can achieve the financial recovery that makes you whole again. The value…

How Soon After an Injury Do I Need to File a Lawsuit?

If you get hurt in an accident in Texas that was caused by someone else, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to help you become whole again. In this situation, it’s…

How Safety Training Helps Prevent Construction Accidents in Texas

Construction accidents are terrible disasters that should never take place in safe and secure work environments. Yet construction is one of the deadliest industries in Texas, with hundreds of serious and fatal accidents reported each…

How Dog Bite Cases Work Under Texas Premises Liability Law

If you get bitten by a dog, you may sustain serious injuries that will leave permanent physical and emotional scars. In Texas, pet owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs. Under…

The Impact of Social Media on Texas Car Accident Claims

Social media is such a commonplace thing in the modern world that many car accident victims don’t think twice before posting information about their crashes online. This may be how you’re used to sharing your…

Understanding and Documenting Non-Visible Car Accident Injuries

When you imagine a car accident, you may picture injuries that are immediately obvious, such as a broken bone or skin lacerations. The reality, however, is that many victims suffer non-visible car accident injuries that…

Guide to Texas Dram Shop Laws

Drunk driving is a terrible crime that can have significant consequences. An intoxicated driver can’t be trusted to safely operate a motor vehicle. Drunk driving often leads to serious car accidents that inflict life-changing injuries…

Understanding Texas Policy Limits After an Accident

If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the law allows you to collect damages from the at-fault party, including compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, quality of life losses, and…

Understanding Third-Party Liability in Texas Construction Accidents

In Texas, construction workers face numerous hazards and injury risks daily. Construction is the deadliest job in the country, according to national injury statistics. Unfortunately, human error further increases the odds of construction accidents, injuries…

What Is My Texas Car Accident Claim Worth?

A car accident can be expensive, but it’s not the money that changes victims’ lives. After a crash in Texas, you could be looking at serious and painful injuries that impact your ability to enjoy…

How Much Is a Permanent Injury Worth in Texas?

Permanent injuries will impact your life forever. For this reason, it is crucial to understand the value of your claim so that you can achieve the financial recovery that makes you whole again. The value…

How Soon After an Injury Do I Need to File a Lawsuit?

If you get hurt in an accident in Texas that was caused by someone else, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to help you become whole again. In this situation, it’s…

How Safety Training Helps Prevent Construction Accidents in Texas

Construction accidents are terrible disasters that should never take place in safe and secure work environments. Yet construction is one of the deadliest industries in Texas, with hundreds of serious and fatal accidents reported each…