As reported by the Federal Highway Administration, there were 283 million registered motor vehicles in the United States in 2022, with over 100 million cars. While not every vehicle constitutes an active driver, having so many participants creates unavoidable circumstances for car accidents. However, after talking to drivers who suffered medical injuries and property damages on the road, most of them were oblivious, ill-informed, and terrified of the consequences and the aftermath of a car crash.
The worst part is, that most drivers have grown accustomed to the comfort of motor vehicles, taking them for granted as everyday convenience. The National Safety Council estimates that almost 23 million vehicles were involved in a car accident in 2022 alone, from minor property damage to motor vehicle fatalities. Many drivers start to realize the significant lack of knowledge of laws, rules, and proceedings that follow the aftermath of a car crash.
If you don’t know the laws and rules following a car crash, you could face severe legal consequences including criminal charges, increased liability, and reduced or denied insurance compensation, while also potentially missing critical filing deadlines that could bar you from receiving any compensation. Many citizens are misinformed or uninformed about the legal aspects of car accidents, which can lead to poor decisions after an accident. The goal is to clear up common misconceptions and provide guidance.
After listening to concerns of car accident participants and mistreated victims, I decided to provide a quick guide to clear up common misconceptions and provide guidance, to help drivers navigate the aftermath, receive appropriate compensation, and avoid excessive liability. Let’s take a closer look at the myths about car accidents and how they can negatively impact your way to a quick resolution.
Do I Need to Call the Police after a Minor Car Accident?
One myth is that you don’t need to call the police for minor accidents. Do not fall into this trap – always call the police, even for seemingly minor accidents, as the police report provides official documentation that serves as essential proof for insurance companies and potential legal cases. People often believe police reports aren’t necessary for minor accidents because they appear insignificant at the scene. However, a lack of supervision from the authorities can stop you from receiving compensation from your insurance provider.
What about Admission of Guilt?
Another common misconception is that you should never admit your fault after an accident, in any shape or form. People avoid admitting guilt after car accidents because they fear their words will be misinterpreted as legal liability, which can result in reduced legal compensation, and in worst cases – far more severe legal consequences.
While staying mindful of what you say is a good thing, being overly defensive can harm others by delaying resolution and creating unnecessary tension at the scene. Say you’re sorry the accident occurred, as these statements do not necessarily mean you are legally at fault, focus on providing immediate help if needed, and discuss further matters with the police and your insurance provider.
My Insurance will Cover Everything, Right?
In contrast, many gullible drivers believe that no matter the circumstance, their insurance will cover everything. In reality, insurance policies have limits and exclusions, so you may be responsible for expenses exceeding your coverage, such as high medical bills or legal fees, especially if you are the offender. It’s important to understand what your policy covers before an accident happens.
For example, if your deal does not include the uninsured motorist coverage package, and you get hit by a driver who is not insured, you could be left paying for massive medical bills and vehicle repairs entirely out of your own pocket. Some people are so sure their insurance covers everything because they often assume that having basic coverage means they’re protected in all situations when in reality, tons of drivers nationwide are uninsured.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Minor Accident?
Most drivers believe that they do not need legal help after the accident, especially if it only results in minor property damage. However, fully trusting insurance companies to look out for you is a bad idea, as they often try to pay out as little as possible. To avoid that, you can use online platforms like ConsumerShield to link up the most suitable attorney for your case. Many injury lawyers work on contingency with no upfront fees, so it’s worth consulting with one before accepting a potentially unfair settlement.
Key Takeaways
Because a car accident is a very rare occurrence in the lives of most drivers, it should not be surprising that many lack knowledge about the laws, rules, and proceedings following a car crash. However, being uninformed does not alleviate any responsibility. Your lack of knowledge can lead to severe legal consequences and reduced compensation.
If you ever believed in any myths mentioned in my guide, make sure to stay educated on the matter and always seek help if you ever end up in a car accident. Stay safe!
