Being involved in a car accident is quite traumatic and you could lose your judgment right after it. Nobody plans to be in this type of accident. However, if you have been a victim in a car accident, you must try to stay calm, so you can make the right decisions. Any wrong decision you make can result in legal action and significant financial losses. RSH Legal – Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers can help you avoid making mistakes that can jeopardize your health and possible legal claims. These mistakes include the following:
Leaving the Accident Scene
After a car accident in Cedar Rapids, you should stay at the scene. Otherwise, you could face serious consequences. Under state law, all drivers involved in a crash must remain at the accident scene to offer information like name, address, driver’s license, and registration number. If one vehicle is unattended, the other driver must locate the vehicle’s owner or leave their details in a visible place. Leaving the scene before giving such information can result in penalties based on the damage incurred because of the collision. Leaving the accident scene is prohibited when the accident involves vehicle damage, personal injury, or death.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
If you have sustained an injury after a car accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. This must be done even if you do not feel any pain or other symptoms. Some accident-related injuries are not obvious right away, but a medical evaluation can detect them. Seeking medical attention is important for your health and safety as well as your possible insurance claim.
Admitting Fault
Admission of fault for a car accident in Cedar Rapids can lead to reduced or denied car insurance claims. Sometimes, you can inadvertently admit fault while making comments about the accident. That is why you should try to limit talks about the accident to basic information and facts. Even apologizing can be interpreted as an admission of fault.
Not Documenting What Happened
It’s important to collect evidence that can be used to support your insurance claim. This means taking photos and notes and getting statements from witnesses. Also, you can ask nearby establishments if their security cameras have recorded the crash. You must have a fresh record of the incident before it is cleared up and proof of damage has disappeared. If these are physically impossible for you to do, your attorney can collect evidence for you.
