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www.keyescars.com
KEYES QUARTERLY
WINTER 2020
21
In
the U.S. alone, there are 10 mil-
lion car accidents every year,
and the tense moments follow-
ing a car accident, even a minor one, can be
scary and stressful for everyone involved.
Drivers and passengers can feel con-
fused and unsure of what to do. Even the
most experienced and
seasoned drivers can
make basic mistakes af-
ter they have been in-
volved in a traumatic
event.
Simple, avoidable
mistakes could cost you
time and money, or lead
to personal, medical and
legal issues.
Here are some of the
most common mistakes
to avoid after a collision:
Fleeing the scene:
Leaving the scene of
an accident could land you in serious le-
gal trouble. You may be in shock, but the
most important thing to do is stay where
you are.
Check on your passengers, and once
you exit your vehicle, check with the other
driver involved in the accident.
Try to remain calm and wait for law
enforcement to arrive on the scene. If it is
safe to do so, use your cell phone to take
photos of your vehicle to document the
damage that resulted from the accident
while you wait for police.
Not reporting the accident:
Even if it's just a minor collision, always
report the accident to the police. Never let
someone convince you to avoid calling the
police.
If you decide to make a claim with
your insurance company later on, or if you
decide to pursue a legal claim, not report-
ing the accident could hurt your case.
Exchanging too much information:
Do not share your driver's license or
who was at fault with the other driver;
however, share this information with the
police along with your current insurance.
Always exchange contact infor-
mation with the other driver, get con-
tact info from any witnesses, and obtain
full insurance details from other drivers
involved in the accident.
Make sure accurate infor-
mation
is included in the
police report, and ask for a
copy of the report to edit any
incorrect information.
Failing to get medical
advice:
You may think that you
were lucky
enough to escape
injury, but you should always
get a medical checkup after a
car accident, especially if you
hit your head.
Remember, only a med-
ical professional can rule out
possible head trauma and
other serious injuries.
Having your vehicle repaired at just
any shop:
You might have to make a decision on-
the-spot as to where to have your vehicle
repaired. Don't make a panicked decision
when it comes to your safety.
--NewsUSA
Don't make these mistakes after a collision