If you’re involved in a car accident, everything you do afterward is important to building a solid case. There are some major things you should avoid doing after an accident that can come back later to hinder your ability to receive compensation. Let’s take a look at the things you should avoid doing.

Don’t Record Statements For Your Insurance Company 

While you may think your auto insurance company is on your side in the matter, it’s important to realize that insurance agents are trained to pick up on any information that could reduce the amount of money they have to pay out. This means that anything you admit fault for could be utilized later to reduce the amount the insurance company will cover for your accident.

You should call your insurance company to notify them an accident took place. Tell them when the accident happened, where it occurred, and the other driver’s information. Stop at this point and don’t fall into the trap of talking further about the accident.

Don’t Take To Social Media 

While it may seem like an immediate reaction to pull up your Instagram and take a picture of the damages, avoid sharing any part of the accident on social media. Anything shared on a public social network can be used against you if the case goes to court.

For example, if you later sue the other driver for pain and suffering, they can show a video of you smiling next to your damaged car at the time of the accident that they got off of Facebook. It’s going to be hard for the Palm Coast Car Accident Lawyers to support your claim of pain and suffering when at the time you were smiling.

Don’t Admit Fault 

Never admit fault to the driver, the officer, or anyone at the scene. Regardless of whether you were at fault of not, you should discuss your case with your attorney before ever admitting fault for an auto accident. If you admit fault at the scene, you are basically giving up your ability to collect compensation from the other driver. Play it safe and ask your lawyer before admitting fault.

Don’t Agree To Not Call The Police 

Don’t fall victim to the smooth talker who requests that you don’t call the police. If you leave the accident scene without calling the police, it comes down to your word against the other driver’s word. Although they may seem trustworthy at the time, many people have been surprised to discover the trustworthy driver ended up calling their own insurance company and reporting them at fault for the accident.

You should call the police at every auto accident. This will ensure the police officer gets the driver’s information and proof the other driver was there at the accident. In addition, the cop will be able to testify at a hearing later if there are any discrepancies that arise. Always call the police and let them do an accident report, as it’s likely that you will need the accident report for your insurance claim anyway.

Don’t Settle For Cash At The Scene 

If the other driver is willing to hand you cash at the scene for the damages to your vehicle, they know they were at fault for the accident. Don’t ever take money from the other driver is exchange for the damages. It’s likely that you do not work at a body shop, so you don’t know the price of the parts and the labor to replace them. Play it safe and call the insurance company. Let your insurance company get the money from the driver as they usually would.

You should follow these tips above of what you should not do after an auto accident. These will help to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve and that you don’t regret your actions later down the road.