What NOT to Do After an Auto Accident
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s a seasoned Dallas accident attorney with more than 40 years of experience, Windle Turley understands that an auto accident can be terrifying. You have no idea how to proceed, and you may or may not be injured. It’s a good idea to be prepared for the inevitable and have a contingency plan for what to do, and what not to do.
- Don’t leave; stay put. Immediately following a car or truck accident, your first impulse might be to leave the scene. Maybe you’re late for work, or an important event, but you absolutely must stay with your vehicle. Even if you give your information to the other driver before you go, it’s still a crime to flee.
- Assess the damage; don’t admit fault. The first human response is to make sure you and the others involved in the accident are okay. The second human response is to say, “I’m sorry,” even if you’re not at fault. If you say anything along the lines of “I wasn’t paying attention,” or “I didn’t see you,” you might end up paying for everyone’s damages. Take pictures of the damage, and call the Police to make an accident report. (An insurance company will not proceed on a settlement if a police report hasn’t been filed.)
- If you’re angry, stay silent. Auto accidents are often infuriating, especially when you aren’t at fault. They take over your day, and might even leave you without a vehicle. Remember to stay calm. An angry outburst will most likely come back to bite you when it comes time to agree on a settlement.
- Don’t speak to their attorney; contact the Turley Law Firm. A common mistake is to speak to the other driver’s insurance company or attorney. What you see as cooperating could actually cause you to accidentally admit or imply that the car accident was your fault. You should always speak to your attorney, and only your attorney.
No one is ever ready for an auto accident, but there are things you can do to make yourself better prepared, like keeping a pen and notebook in the car. Take a moment to write down all of the pertinent information the police and other drivers would need in case of an accident. When the day comes, you won’t be scrambling for a pen, but rather taking stock of what happened.
If you’ve been injured in a Dallas accident, an experienced attorney at the Turley Law Firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today by completing the form on this page or calling 214-691-4025. Our firm proudly practices auto accident law in the Dallas-Fort Worth community and welcomes clients from throughout Texas and the United States.
