No matter how good of a driver you may be, one momentary lapse in concentration is all it takes for you to cause an accident on the road. The first thing that you should know is that being at fault in this instance doesn’t make you a bad person. Accidents happen, and mistakes take place. Regardless of what specific incident has occurred, however, there are certain steps you need to take after the event. By taking them, you will stand a better chance of protecting both the other party involved in the accident and yourself.
To find three things you need to do after being at fault in a car accident, be sure to read on.
- Check to see if everybody is okay
The first thing you must do after the incident has occurred is check to see if everybody involved is okay. Forget swapping personal and insurance details for the time being. Your first job is to ensure that your fellow road user is not injured.
If the other party is, in fact, injured, then you need to call for medical assistance right away. Delaying in this instance could be the difference between them making a full recovery, and it taking years for them to get back on their feet.
- Do not admit fault at the scene
If everybody is able to think coherently (albeit not rationally) after the car accident, then you need to set about the task of swapping details. At this time, however, you shouldn’t admit to your fault. Even if you think/know you are the cause of the accident, you should keep quiet. By assessing your fault at the scene, you will instantly make an admission of guilt. Should there be any chance of you not being hit with a fine, a ban, or an insurance penalty, such an admission will put an end to it anyway. Even saying something as innocent as ‘I just wasn’t paying attention’ could be detrimental to you in this instance.
- Get a lawyer involved
Even if only to perform damage control and soften the financial blow that is coming your way, you should get a lawyer involved in your case.
The lawyer that you partner up with needs to practice in the specific area in which your incident falls. Anything less, and you won’t get the comprehensive support you need at this delicate time in your life. If you have been caught driving while intoxicated, for example, you to align yourself with a DWI law firm, such as a Cole Paschall Law. Things will never work out perfectly for you in this instance, but having this kind of professional by your side will make everything a whole lot easier.
You’d had a terrible day at work, and your mind was frazzled. Your kids were being truly unruly in the backseat. Things happen, and accidents take place. If you do ever cause an incident on the roads, however, regardless of whether it was inconsequential or serious, you need to take action. Take the above advice, and be sure to circumvent this plight in the best way possible should it ever happen to you.
