In 2021, car accidents claimed 42,915 lives and injured 4.8 million people. The death toll increased by more than 10% over 2020.

Accidents are confusing and overwhelming, and because you may not think clearly during these times, you can make mistakes. You may have found many articles on what you should do after a car accident, but these are some common mistakes you should avoid.

Not seeking medical treatment

Whether you feel pain or not, you need to get checked out by a medical professional. During an accident, your adrenaline runs high, which can mask injuries. If you do not seek medical help right away and find an injury later, you may not receive adequate compensation for later treatment. Therefore, if you feel injured, get checked out at the scene. If not, visit the hospital or your primary care doctor as soon as possible.

Not reporting the accident

In most cases, your insurance will not pay out a claim without a police report. In addition, most jurisdictions have reporting requirements for motor vehicle accidents. You should also cooperate with the police on the scene. Avoid making accusations. Instead, remain calm and answer police questions without casting blame or admitting fault.

Not documenting the scene

Today’s technology makes it easy to document what happened in the accident. Therefore, take photos and videos of both vehicles and the actual scene of the accident. Write down your perspective, and get information from any witnesses, including their contact information.

Posting on social media

Posting on social media can actually be detrimental to your case. Therefore, avoid sharing any information about your accident on these platforms.

Set yourself up for the best result in your case by learning what you should and should not do after you are in a motor vehicle accident.