In the chaotic aftermath of a car accident, many people make costly mistakes that cause more problems in the long run. Here are a few things you should remember not to do after a Kentucky car accident.
Leave the scene prematurely
Fleeing the scene of an accident before taking the above steps may be a criminal offense and could result in jail time or fines depending on the severity of the accident.
Under Kentucky law, anyone involved in a car accident must immediately stop, assess the injuries and damages, and offer reasonable assistance. You must also call police if the collision results in a death, an injury or over $500 in property damage.
Admit to fault
Many people apologize after an accident or say it was their fault. The other drivers’ insurance companies may use this admission to establish that their insureds were not at fault for the accident. Additionally, even if you felt like you caused the accident, there is a good chance that the other drivers also contributed to the accident. You should say as little about the accident as possible at the scene.
Fail to document the accident
If you decide to file a personal injury claim to recover damages, you will have a hard time proving your case without proper evidence. Consider taking the following actions to properly document your accident and collect necessary information:
- Report the accident to police, even if it is not legally required to do so. An officer will likely arrive at the scene and create a police report, which can provide critical details of the accident.
- Take photos/videos of the vehicles involved in the accident and the scene itself.
- Collect contact information from all witnesses and persons involved in the accident.
- Collect insurance information from those involved in the accident.
Refuse to seek medical treatment
Many people think that their injuries are minor and therefore do not seek medical treatment after an accident. However, injuries that seem minor can actually be much more serious than they seem and cause long-term problems.
Additionally, failing to seek medical care can limit the amount of compensation you receive from the party that caused your accident. Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident ensures that there will be evidence of your injuries and any treatments you received following the accident. Your medical records can be used to prove your damages.
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is easy to become overwhelmed, especially if you or a loved one has suffered an injury. However, it is important to remain calm and make sure that you do everything you need to do to avoid long-term consequences.