3 Things You Should NOT Do After a Car Accident

Sometimes, being involved in a car accident is unavoidable.  Practicing defensive driving is the best way to drive, but in the event you are in a car accident, here are a few things NOT to do:

1. NOT calling the police and exchanging information:  No matter how small of an accident, ALWAYS call the police.  You need something that documents the accident for your records.  Plus, a police officer can help assess the situation and sort out important details, like obtaining contact information and insurance information of all parties involved.  The police report can be a very important document when determining damages.  It’s also important to call your insurance carrier and promptly file the claim.  Many insurers now have an app to file claims, and it is a good idea to go ahead and locate/download that app to your smart phone so you will have it when you need it.
2. NOT moving the vehicles to the side of the road: This one can be confusing, because logic tells you that in the event you are in an accident, you need to leave the vehicles where they are for documentation purposes.  However, remember that in today’s fast-paced society, traffic will continue to try to flow around the accident, causing a hazard.  The best policy is to remove the cars from the road (if they can be moved), turn your hazard lights on, and approach all other drivers and passengers in a non-threatening manner to check on them.  If it is dark, use a flare to notify other drivers of the accident.
3. NOT keeping your cool: It’s very important to remain calm and check on the well-being of everyone involved.  Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, now is not the time to be confrontational or accusatory.  Chances are, he or she already feels guilty for the collision.  Check on them to defuse the situation.  Remember, almost everyone has a camera and video capability these days, and a video or picture of you losing your cool will not place you in a positive light in the event the matter goes to court.

Avoiding these three things can make life a lot more pleasant in an unpleasant situation.  In the event you are in a car accident, call the Harrelson Law Firm at (870) 330-7680 today for a free consultation to assess your options.  With a practice that reaches to all corners of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, the lawyers at the Harrelson Law Firm will be able to provide the advice and expertise you need when you face this difficult time.