Getting in an automobile accident can be a traumatic experience, and believing that you were at fault can only make it more stressful. Whether you were distracted by something in your car, you were driving just a bit too fast on your way to work, you were driven to the point of exasperation, or for any other reason, the most important thing to do is to keep calm. It may seem like an impossible task at the time, but keeping a level head will go a long way in mitigating your current situation, as well as potentially help you if you find yourself in court.
Like in any accident, the first thing you need to do is make sure that you were not hurt during the crash. Even a minor fender bender can cause an injury, and you don’t want to make it worse by letting it go untreated. Once you’ve checked yourself out, make sure your passengers are alright. From there, check on the driver and passengers in the other car or cars. If anyone is in serious medical need, it’s important to call 911 immediately to get them the help they need.
Once you’ve made sure everyone involved in the crash is safe, you’ll need to talk to the other driver or drivers. Before you approach them, remember: do not admit fault. Even if you are convinced the collision was your fault, there is always a chance you misinterpreted the situation. Adrenaline is pumping and emotions are running high, and you may say something you will later regret in the heat of the moment.
Avoid any statements that could even be construed as admitting fault, including ones like, “I’m sorry,” or “I didn’t see you there,” or “I can’t believe I did that.” This doesn’t mean you should lie, either. Statements like this can be used against you in court, and could be the deciding factor in the judge’s decision. Be polite, exchange all of the relevant information, including contact and insurance information, and answer any and all questions from law enforcement if and/or when they arrive on the scene.
If your accident was minor, try to pull off to an area where you aren’t obstructing the flow of traffic. If you aren’t sure if there was more serious damage to any of the vehicles involved in the collision, don’t risk making the situation worse by attempting to move them. Either way, you will want to get pictures of the scene of the crash, including photos of the damage.
Just because you believe you were at fault at the time of the accident, other factors you may be unaware of could be in play. Either way, it’s important to have good legal counsel in case you need to go to court, or if you have any questions. Our San Antonio car accident attorneys at the Wyatt Law Firm will work hard for you, because we understand what is at stake. Call us today at (210) 702-2162, or fill out our online form start your free case consultation.