Idaho motor vehicle accidents are often traumatic. At that specific moment, you want to survive whatever happens. But what happens after your accident is more important than you realize. There are some mistakes that you should avoid after a motor vehicle accident.
Not seeking or accepting medical care
Emergency services often arrive after motor vehicle accidents occur. Even if no one appears to have an injury, you’ll likely have an EMT offer to check your body. If you feel fine, you might refuse the offer of help. That’s a mistake to avoid.
Just because you feel or look fine doesn’t mean that you are. The shock of having the accident could prevent you from realizing you have an injury. The National Library of Medicine says that EMS providers have training to determine the need for medical care.
If emergency services aren’t at the scene, you can visit an emergency room. Some injuries are unnoticeable until hours or days after the accident. Consider getting an examination to check that you’re fine, just in case.
Deciding to skip the police report
You must notify the police of any car accident that results in injury, death or property damage. The officer who responds will create and file an accident report. You’ll need the report if you bring a personal injury claim against the other driver. The report gives an official description of the event.
Leaving the scene of an accident
You can get into legal trouble for fleeing the scene of a motor vehicle accident. If someone has an injury or dies, you should remain on the scene until authorities arrive and speak with you. If the damage is minor, you’re expected to give your name, address, phone number and insurance information to the other driver or a law officer.
It’s often difficult to think clearly after a motor vehicle accident. You may have an injury, feel angry or afraid. But if possible, it helps to avoid making the mistakes mentioned above.