Auto Accident Lawyer Salt Lake City, UT
Many people have probably heard about what to do in the event of a car accident. But perhaps just as importantly, there are key things you should not do if you are part of a vehicle collision. Anyone who has been in a car wreck must get checked out by their doctor and consult with an auto accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT from Rasmussen & Miner if they suffered significant financial loss and damages. By avoiding common missteps associated with car accidents, you can protect your health and legal rights.
Q: If the driver and I exchanged information, is it okay to not call the police?
A: If it is possible that you were injured in the accident, then it is imperative that you call 9-1-1. Even mild fender-benders can cause mild cases of whiplash and other injuries, which you may have to pay out of pocket for if you don’t have enough evidence related to the accident.
By calling the police, you are ensuring that a police report is written. You can obtain a copy of this in the days after and use it as proof to your insurance company and to support your case if you file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you. If you don’t have a police report, then it ends up just being your word against the other.
Q: What if the other driver is being hostile, should I drive away?
A: Do not leave the scene of the car accident. The driver may be hoping that you leave in an effort to elude responsibility for what happened. If you are concerned about your safety, get into your car without driving away, call 9-1-1 and let the operator know the driver is being confrontational.
Q: If an officer writes a police report, is it okay that I don’t take pictures?
A: Photographic evidence can say so much more than a police report. A single image can show where exactly the vehicle landed after impact, debri on the road, visible injuries, both car damages, and location. A police report does include facts about the accident, but it doesn’t cover every important detail. Your insurance company can use these images against the other driver’s insurance company, as a way to show you weren’t at-fault. And your attorney can use these images to help recreate the scenario in their mind and show the extent of your injuries.
Q: Is it a big deal that I kept apologizing to the driver, even if it wasn’t my fault?
A: You should not make statements that could be inferred as taking fault for the car accident. Even if it is obvious that the other driver caused the collision and you feel compelled to say sorry as a way to alleviate tensions, refrain from apologizing. You can be honest and compassionate to the other driver, but statements regarding apologies can be used against you by their insurance company. If you apologize, this can be used by the opposing insurance company or attorney, as a way to avoid the other driver from paying damages to you.