3 mistakes to avoid after a car accident

While no one ever wants to get into a motor vehicle crash, the reality is that accidents happen every day on Tennessee roads. Even if you are a safe and defensive driver and take all the necessary precautions to avoid an accident, chances are that you may one day end up in a minor fender-bender or a serious crash. 

Preparing in advance for how to handle such an expected event can pay off in the long run. If you know what mistakes to avoid after a car crash, you can ensure that you do not inadvertently harm your chances of receiving the compensation the law entitles you to for any injuries you may suffer in the accident.

1. Do not admit fault

The advice to "not admit fault" after a car accident is very common, and yet many drivers forget it in the heat of the moment when they are emotional after a crash, so it bears repeating: Do not admit fault after the accident. It is not your job to determine the logistics or negligence of an accident. You need to let the insurance companies, police, and, if it becomes a lawsuit, lawyers work out these details. Admitting fault could hamper your eventual defense or harm your chances for receiving compensation for injuries.

2. Do not ignore any injury symptoms

Some car accident victims walk away from a crash and think they are perfectly fine only to later discover an onset of symptoms due to injuries. If you are injured in a car accident, you may face high medical expenses, and you will need to get the appropriate compensation to pay those bills. Make sure you seek proper medical treatment for injuries or symptoms following an accident, and keep all documentation.

3. Do not settle immediately or pay the other driver

You should not attempt to settle immediately with the other driver's insurance company or accept an offer to pay the other driver cash for any damages to his or her vehicle. Once again, these are issues that your respective insurance companies will need to hash out, and you do not want to be held accountable for expenses that you are not liable for. Follow the proper documentation procedures after an accident, and get a police report to document the details of the crash.