Transport Canada’s National Collision Database (NCDB) contains data on all reportable motor vehicle collisions in Canada that the provinces and territories provide each year. In 2018, the number of motor vehicle fatalities was 1,922; up 3.6% from 2017. With car accidents steadily on the rise, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes people make after a car accident.

Follow the tips below to ensure your safety and security after a car accident. If the time comes that you unfortunately do suffer a car accident, contact McKiggan Hebert Lawyers right away to get started filing your car accident claim.

Don’t Delay Your Care And See A Medical Professional Immediately

In many circumstances, accident victims fail to get the medical care they need right away. Sometimes people don’t feel injured right away, as adrenaline makes them somewhat numb to physical pain. But when people delay their care and don’t see a medical professional right away, they run the risk of not being able to tie their injuries back to the accident. If a car accident victim fails to see a doctor after the crash, but discovers a month later that they’ve suffered an injury, it may be hard to prove in court how that injury occurred.

The injuries you sustain in an accident could affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. Keeping your health in good shape is incredibly important, so make sure to go to the emergency room or see a doctor right away.

Never Admit Fault At The Scene Of The Accident

Getting into a car accident is a high pressure situation. The other parties involved may accuse you of causing the accident, which may make you feel pressured to agree or apologize. Admitting fault at the scene of the accident is never a good idea. If you apologize, accept fault, agree that you caused the accident, or otherwise take accountability for the crash, you may be on the hook to pay for damages.

Never Leave The Scene of The Crime Without Evidence

We’ve already discussed that a car crash scene can be a high pressure environment. For this reason, some people panic and don’t know what to do when an accident happens. Always try your best to remain calm, and remember that the number one priority is to always get the medical attention you need. Second, you should always take as much evidence as possible as you can from the scene. This can include taking photos, getting witness testimonials, and collecting contact information from all parties involved in the accident.

When taking photos, make sure the flash is on on your phone or camera so that you can get the most accurate and high quality photo of the damage. Take photos of the damage on your vehicle, your injuries, and any debris that’s nearby or in the road. Be sure to get photos of any traffic obstructions or traffic signals that set the scene of how the car accident occurred. Speed limit signs, crosswalks, and photos of inclement weather can all serve as evidence in court that proves the negligence of the at-fault party.

Never Discuss The Details Of Your Car Accident Online Or On Social Media

When it comes to legal claims, it’s best to keep the details of your accident to yourself. Insurance companies, lawyers and law enforcement officials are increasingly turning to social media for an inside look at car accident claims. If you post photos of the accident, accept fault or admit negligence in a status update, or even make claims about the other driver, this can all be used as evidence against you in court.

Those who have been injured in a car accident should especially keep personal details off social media. For example, if you broke your arm in a car accident and are claiming your injuries are severe, a photo of you playing basketball could serve as evidence that suggests you aren’t all that injured.

Don’t Forget To Contact A Lawyer And Schedule A Free Consultation

One of the most important steps you can take after a car accident is to contact a car accident attorney and schedule a free consultation. Never wrongfully assume that your car accident case wasn’t a big deal, or that you wouldn’t be awarded all that much compensation anyway.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Halifax, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation from a skilled auto accident lawyer at McKiggan Hebert. Our committed team of car accident attorneys will stop at nothing to prove the negligence of the at-fault party.