This is Exactly What You Should NOT Do After a Car Accident

This is Exactly What You Should NOT Do After a Car Accident

An auto accident can ruin your entire day. The way you react to it might ruin your life.

A car accident is one of the things you don’t ever want to be involved in. However, no matter how cautious your driving is, it doesn’t protect you from the person who went through the red light at the intersection.

If you have been involved in an auto accident in St Petersburg-Clearwater or anywhere else in Florida, our experienced car accident attorneys will work with you to reduce your stress. But first, always remember what not to do after a car accident to avoid the following imprudent and often illegal mistakes.

Leaving the Scene

On your way to work in Tampa, you’ve been involved in a car accident but it’s not a bad one. Minor damage. Stressful but you are ok and no one appears to be injured at first glance. You might want to drive away and avoid being late to work.

Don’t. Even if the accident looks insignificant, you always have to stop. Make sure the other driver is ok, ask for insurance information and report it to law enforcement. Otherwise, you’ve committed a crime. Not a good way to start the day.

So, even if it only looks like scratches on your old car’s paint, stop and stick around.

Not Reporting

Do not count on the other driver’s honesty. When you are involved in a car accident, always report to the police. As many as one in seven drivers has no car insurance. And given the car accident situation, we might presume you are not having one of those lucky days.

Fake or expired insurances will not help you with the procedure following an auto accident. Be safe and get an accident report. This is a proof that might save you a lot of trouble.

Losing Your Temper

Of course you wish you were anywhere else but here living an extremely unpleasant experience. However, it is really inefficient to start yelling at the other driver. Adopting a calm attitude will prevent you from doing any foolish mistake. You need to keep composed and document the accident.

First, be sure you or the other driver/passengers are not injured. When involved in a car accident, stay calm. Do not blame the other driver but protect yourself as well: do not tell people it was your mistake as it could be viewed as admitting liability.

Gathering Insufficient Information

Documenting the car accident is essential as you might have to repeat the story several times (to the law enforcement or your insurance company). But after a car accident, there is a 100% chance that you are shaken up. Our auto accident attorneys recommend that you immediately take into note the following info.

  • Get the driver’s name, address, insurance company name and policy number.
  • Write down the make, model and color of their vehicle.
  • Make sure you have the other vehicle’s license plate number.
  • If there were any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
  • Do not hesitate and take pictures of the site.

Letting This Single Event Overwhelm Your Life

While the car accident was undoubtedly traumatic and difficult enough, the hardest part frequently comes after. That’s why it is imperative to follow up on everything that needs to be taken care of.

Our Tampa and St. Petersburg lawyers will offer a personalized service to car accident victims in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and throughout Florida. How about WE focus on every details while YOU focus on getting your life back?

Let Us Help

If you have any questions about what you should do if you think you were at fault in an auto accident, contact one of the Tampa auto accident attorneys at John Bales Attorneys for a free consultation.