Following a car accident, many people are understandably shaken and feel uncertain. Despite these feelings, there are some clear-cut things to do and, perhaps more importantly, not to do. Taking the right steps following a car accident can be important with regards to safety as well as one’s legal standing and one’s insurance outlook. Here are a few common mistakes Maryland drivers make following a collision:
- Attempting to leave: For those at fault, leaving the scene of an accident can result in a hit-and-run charge. Even those who are not at fault should be careful not to leave as they will miss the important step of exchanging information with the other driver and sharing their side of the story.
- Talking to the other driver: it may seem like common decency to speak to the other driver in a collision. However, any conversation about the incident itself can be at your peril. Instead, it is best for the insurance companies to conduct all communication between the parties from the start.
- Admitting fault: Even drivers who believe the collision is their fault should be very careful not to say this at the scene. Emotions can be heightened, and apologetic people may want to make things right, especially if they think they did something wrong. However, it is important to let the insurance companies determine fault in any collision.
Other common mistakes include signing a release of liability before speaking with an attorney and photographing damages oneself rather than having the police do it for an official record. It can be difficult to remember all of the things to do and not to do at the scene of an accident; however, it can make a huge difference in the overall outcome. Those with questions, concerns or uncertainties could benefit from speaking with an experienced Maryland attorney regarding their situation.
