Is there any feeling more terrifying than being involved in a car accident?
Actually, there is: being involved in a car accident and knowing that your actions caused the crash. An at-fault accident can result in a lot of hassles — from your insurance rates being raised to becoming the target of a lawsuit. Not to mention the possibility that you could have incurred injuries, which may affect your ability to work and live normally.
We’ve got your back, with this list of the most important steps to take immediately following an accident that may have been your fault.
Don’t Leave the Scene
That “fight or flight” response that causes your adrenaline levels to spike when you are afraid might very well kick in here. No one could blame you for being tempted to put your car back into gear and speed away from the scene of the accident.
However, that’s immoral; imagine how you would feel if someone else were to hit your car, then run. It’s also illegal. That means if you don’t stick around to face the music, but you get caught anyway, you’re going to face even stiffer penalties. So man (or woman!) up and do the right thing.
Stay Calm
That’s “flight” taken care of. Now you must resist the urge to fight, too. If you come out swinging, shouting at the other driver, or otherwise trying to deflect the attention from your own actions, this too is bound to make matters even worse.
Before doing anything else, take a couple of slow, deep breaths. Pull up a phone app to help you with this, if necessary. Then, and only then, begin to assess the scene around you.
Call for Emergency Services
If anyone involved in the accident has been hurt, whether it’s you, another driver, passengers, or pedestrians, call 911 immediately. The most important step is to make sure everyone gets medical attention.
Police will need to make an accident report for everyone’s , so they are going to show up on scene as well. Be honest with them about what happened, but…
Don’t Admit Fault
Any halfway decent human being with a conscience is likely to apologize straight away after causing an accident. It’s human nature. In the case of an at-fault accident, however, that’s going to hurt you in the long run.
Jumping out of your car and saying anything along the lines of “That was totally my fault, I didn’t even see you coming, I glanced at my cell phone for just a second, I am so sorry”? Those words can and probably will be used against you in a court of law, or at the very least in an insurance company’s conference room.
Find out if medical help is needed, call the police, and then zip it. If other parties try to engage you, shut yourself in the car until authorities arrive.
Contact an Attorney
Before discussing the accident with anyone’s insurance company, call an attorney for a complimentary consultation. You may not end up needing their services, but it won’t hurt to consult with them just in case. Read more here about how a lawyer can help.
After an At-Fault Accident
You may be feeling a variety of complicated emotions after an at-fault accident. Confide in friends, family members, a therapist, or a clergy member to work through those feelings. Above all, remember that walking away from a car crash makes you incredibly lucky, and that it almost always could have been a lot worse.
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