What Mistakes Should I Avoid After an Auto Accident?

If you get injured in an auto accident and believe that someone else was to blame for the crash, you can sue for compensation. However, some people shoot themselves in the foot by making some mistakes immediately after the accident occurs. Follow the advice of an experienced Darlington County, South Carolina car accident lawyer and do your best to avoid any of these errors.

What Happens If I Do Not Call the Cops After an Auto Accident?

Calling the cops is one of the first steps that you should take after an accident. Some drivers do not want to deal with the hassle though, or the other driver convinces them that this is not a necessity. Not calling the cops is a bad idea for a few reasons.

First of all, you are probably violating the law. You need to report an accident that causes injuries or at least $1,000 worth of damage to the authorities. Even if no one seems injured and the damage looks minor, you would be surprised at how easy it is to reach that $1,000 threshold. Second, when police come to the scene they write a report about the accident, its potential causes, and who was injured. This report can be valuable evidence in a case later.

So call the cops and wait for them to visit the scene, even if their response is going to take a little while.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver or Their Insurance Company?

While you wait for the cops, you should keep conversation with the other driver to a minimum. Exchange info and leave it at that. If you get too chatty, you might say something that can be used against you or used to accuse you of fault.

The same danger applies when talking to another driver’s insurance company. You should really let your lawyer do the talking for you here.

Do I Need Pictures of the Auto Accident Scene?

Yes, taking pictures of the auto accident scene and the damage to both vehicles is a necessity. You do not want the other driver’s lawyer claiming that the damage to your vehicle came from somewhere else. You want a clear link between your accident with this negligent driver, the damage to your vehicle, and any resulting injuries.

Can I Sue for Damages Without a Lawyer?

You can pursue compensation without a lawyer, but we don’t think that you should. A car accident lawyer cannot guarantee a certain outcome, but they can use their experience and resources to help you build a more effective case. If you are serious about pursuing compensation, you should at least speak to a lawyer before you move ahead on your own.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you have any questions about pursuing a personal injury suit, please contact the James Law Office, LLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about your options and how much your case could be worth. We look forward to assisting you.