What Should You Not Do After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are often violent, destructive events. Even minor fender benders can result in bodily harm and hundreds or even thousands of dollars in auto body repair. Although you can’t reverse a car accident once it’s happened, you can minimize the effects on your wallet by following a few important steps after an accident. To help demonstrate the best steps to take after an accident, here is a look at some things you should absolutely not do. If you don’t know where to turn or what to do next, contact an auto body repair shop in San Jose.
Leave the Scene
Regardless of whether or not a wreck looks serious, you must always stop, check on the other person involved, exchange insurance information, and report the collision to law enforcement. If you leave the scene, you’ve committed a crime and can be charged with a felony if anyone is injured or killed in the accident.
Forget Proper Documentation
Again, even if a wreck seems minor, it’s important that you document the accident and any damage to your vehicle and other vehicles involved. Failing to document the accident can make it difficult for you to receive a claim for the damages and injuries you’ve sustained should your insurance company question your involvement or finds you to be at fault.
Admit Guilt
When you admit guilt, you automatically assume responsibility for the accident. Even if you believe the accident was your fault, do not admit guilt to other persons involved, witnesses, and especially the police. Guilt will be determined by law enforcement or in a court of law, so let the process work itself out before you admit to anything.
Ignore Collision Damage
Even if you don’t see any obvious signs of damage, there may be hidden damage that needs to be fixed. After a collision, bring your vehicle to an auto body shop in San Jose that specializes in collision repair. The longer you wait to visit a collision repair shop, the worse the damage will get and the more expensive and time-consuming the repairs will be.
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