If you are reading this, chances are better than even that you have or know someone who has been involved in a CT car accident. In reality, most drivers will experience at least one accident during their driving careers, and many will be involved in more than one.

What you do after an accident can make or break how the aftermath pans out, including your interactions with the law and any associated lawsuits.

Here are the most common mistakes people make after they are involved in an accident.

Leaving the Scene

There is almost no reason to leave the scene of an accident. Even if you are at fault or there are other mitigating circumstances, leaving the scene of an accident rarely works out well. The best outcome for someone that leaves the scene of an accident they were involved in is that they only get charged for leaving the scene.

Even if you need medical care, wait until the ambulance shows up. If you do not need medical attention, wait until law enforcement shows up, and do not leave until they tell you it is OK.

Failing To Notify the Authorities

In certain circumstances, not telling the authorities about an accident is against the law. In others, it is just remarkably poor judgment. 

Leaving the authorities of it deprives all parties of an impartial observer establishing the facts of the incident. That is important if you think you may pursue a lawsuit, will file a claim against the other driver’s insurance, or need to defend yourself against a claim filed against you.

Law enforcement will investigate the accident and help determine what exactly happened. An investigating officer will have tools the average person does not have to establish what happened and who is at fault. 

Without that, it is very difficult to argue the other party caused the accident. If you are at fault, the contributing factors of the other party may not ever become a topic of focus.

Refusing Medical Treatment

Even if you do not appear injured or think you are fine, you should still get checked out. Some injuries are sneaky and can become major issues shortly afterward. Sometimes the shock of the accident covers up pain you might feel otherwise. 

Additionally, not getting treated at an accident makes proving you were injured in the accident much more difficult. For instance, an opposing party can argue that you cannot prove you were injured in the accident and might have gotten injured in a totally unrelated incident. 

Refusing treatment makes gaining a settlement almost impossible as it behooves the insurance company to contest your rendition of what happened.

Apologizing or Accepting Fault

Even if the accident was entirely your fault, you must not offer that to anyone involved. There might be mitigating factors you are unaware of, such as the other party being intoxicated, that could shift fault from you to the other party or result in both parties being held at fault. When you accept blame for the accident, you effectively end that possibility.

The best approach after an accident is to not say anything until you talk to law enforcement or an attorney. If you talk to law enforcement by yourself, do not accept blame for any aspect of the accident. Do not ever lie to them, but tell them that you would rather discuss the questions they have with legal representation before answering.

Not Gathering Evidence

Take pictures, talk to witnesses, and get names and numbers where you can. The more you can give an attorney, the greater the chances you will be able to get a resolution that is to your liking. Even if that is impossible, giving your attorney a head start can help you control the damage if needed. 

Going It Alone

Discuss your case with an attorney as soon as you can. Not doing so deprives you of an experienced source of advice regarding your options. You do not know the insurance or legal process, and if the accident is severe, you can bet the other party will be hiring an attorney. Going it alone is asking for trouble.

Accepting an Insurance Settlement

You should not accept any insurance settlement, even if you do not have an attorney. Tell the insurance company you need to discuss the offer with your legal representation and will get back to them. Do not ever admit anything to an insurance company. Let your attorney handle all the contact with the insurance company or the other party’s lawyer.

Get Help after a CT Car Accident

Some people will avoid pursuing a personal injury claim as they don’t want to get involved with what they think will be a lot of hassle and effort. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we first work to ensure that your health and well-being are restored, and then get to work beginning the process of getting you reimbursed for your losses. We handle the communications and negotiations with insurance companies and build your case to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t be left on the hook for medical bills and expenses that are not your fault.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout Connecticut with their car accident and personal injury cases. We have decades of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. Our compassionate CT car accident attorneys put client care and your needs first. Contact us immediately for a free legal review.