If you’re involved in a collision, you don’t want to do anything that could potentially harm your insurance claim or reduce or eliminate your legal rights and options. While there are any number of articles online touting the steps you must or need to take after an accident happens, here is a short list of the things you should never do if you’ve been involved in a crash.
After a crash, you should immediately move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible. If your vehicle is still operable, move off to the side of the road or elsewhere to keep it from being hit by other drivers in the area. If your car isn’t movable, it is important for you to get out of the vehicle when you can and move out of the way of moving traffic.
We know, holding your peace can be a difficult task, particularly if the collision was someone else’s fault. Still try to steer clear of arguing with the other drivers or making direct accusations about them causing the crash. There’s no need in turning an already touchy situation into a possible assault charge. Wait for the local authorities to sort out the facts.
As bad as you may feel at the time, never ever tell the other drivers involved or the authorities that the collision was your fault, even if what you did actually caused the crash. At the appropriate time, you should truthfully convey the facts about the accident to the police but do so without admitting to your possible negligence.
Some of us are more stubborn than others and will never admit to being hurt even when it’s clear that we are. Depending on the extent and seriousness of the accident, you may have injuries that will take much longer after the accident to become evident. Do not let any of the other drivers or the authorities know that you have not sustained any injuries, and if you are asked directly, simply advise that you are unsure for the time being.
If anyone is seriously injured, do not attempt to remove them from the vehicle unless they are in immediate danger from other issues, such as fire or the risk of other automobiles hitting your car. Allow first responders to assist you and/or your passengers.
As tempting as it may be to discuss a so-called deal with others in the accident without reporting it to your insurer or the authorities, don’t do it. Why? Because contrary to their actions at the time, the other driver may still choose to report the crash without you knowing and your insurance company may deny coverage. Additionally, Colorado law says that it is against the law not to report an accident in certain cases.
