If you are in a car accident in Alabama, there are many things you should do. However, being mindful of what you should NOT do may have more of an impact.
Here are five things you should avoid after an auto accident.
1. Leave the accident
While involvement in a car accident is scary and you may feel tempted to leave the scene, doing so will only worsen the situation. Leaving the scene of an accident can have serious consequences, such as a license suspension or even jail time.
2. Fail to call 911
According to Alabama law, it is illegal not to report an accident involving injuries to local police. Moreover, notifying authorities may help your case if you need to pursue insurance payment or legal action.
3. Downplay your injuries
If you feel any new symptoms or pains following an accident, do not ignore them. Even the most seemingly minor pain may signal an issue or worsen with time. Not notifying medical professionals of your symptoms may harm your case if you seek compensation.
4. Admit fault
After an accident, you may feel inclined to offer a simple apology for other drivers’ inconveniences, whether the accident was your fault or not. While this might seem like an inconsequential action on your part, it could serve as an admission of guilt.
5. Talk to other insurance companies
You should avoid talking with other parties’ insurance companies. Even if an insurance company representative contacts you and asks what are, on the surface, harmless questions, answering them on your own may complicate the situation and prevent you from getting what you need to recover.