Car Accident Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Peter Olszewski

Car accidents happen every day, with every driver being more likely than not to be in an accident at least once in their lives. The consequences can range from barely a scratch on the bumper to death. You never know when it’s going to happen or what will happen because of it. What we can do is prepare ourselves for what we should do after a crash. Some famous car accident myths can hurt your ability to do that though.

To make sure you know what to do if you’re in a car accident, find out the truth about these car accident myths. The truth can protect your health, your recovery, and the financial damages you may need in the aftermath. Contact the car accident attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski P.C. for more information.

Car Accident Myths: At the Scene of the Accident

These myths have to do with what you’re supposed to do right after the accident. These myths can cause you to endanger yourself and/or others if followed.

Myth #1: First Priority is to Move Your Vehicle to Safety.

After a car accident, your priority is to get yourself and your passengers to safety. There are some instances where you need to move your vehicle out of the way because you’ll be hit before you can leave the vehicle. These cases are not the general standard and are only in extreme circumstances.

The health and safety of you and your passengers is the most important thing, first and foremost. If you can evacuate the vehicle with your passengers, you should do so at the first chance you can.

Myth #2: You Don’t Need to See a Doctor After a Wreck

Many injuries are asymptomatic after an accident. Adrenaline is a powerful thing that can relieve you of any pain or suffering you may be enduring internally until it’s too late. Even minor injuries can become worse after a lack of treatment. See a medical professional as soon as you can.

Myth #3: You Can Leave the Scene of a Minor Car Accident

There is no such thing as a minor car accident. Even if it’s just a scratch, you should still stop, inspect the damage, establish responsibility, take pictures, and trade information. This is true whether you’re the one at fault or not. While some may want to keep the police out of it and avoid raising their insurance deductible, we always recommend that you contact the police and have the accident on record.

Car Accident Myths: After the Accident

These myths have to do with what you can and can’t do after the accident is completely over. Many have to do with when and what kind of damages you can seek. Many people believe in these myths and find themselves forced to suffer without the compensation they deserve.

Myth #4: It’s Better to Let Your Insurance Handle It

Insurance companies are not your friend. You may pay them a regular stipend believing that they will cover the costs of your accident or injury, but they will do whatever they can to avoid paying you. This includes but is not limited to blaming you for the accident, arguing your coverage plan doesn’t cover the accident, or downplaying the damages to you and your property.

You always should prepare to file a suit of your own because you cannot trust your insurer to help you.

Myth #5: You Can’t Claim Damages for Injuries that Hurt After the Accident

We mentioned how some injuries can be asymptomatic. For some, this can be hours, days, weeks, and sometimes even years after the accident. If you only start feeling the effects of the accident after it happens, you should go see the doctor and prepare to contact an attorney with the information they give you.

Myth #6: You Can’t Claim Damages for an Old Injury that was Agitated

If you suffered an injury days, months, or even years before your accident, that healed and hurts after the car accident, you can claim damages for it. The car accident likely reopened or agitated the wound, which means it caused you harm. You can treat it as you would any other injury you’ve suffered.

Myth #7: You’re Out of Luck If You’re in an Accident With a Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Driver

Whether you’re in an accident with someone who runs away or doesn’t have insurance, you can still file a claim with your insurance. Your insurance is meant to cover the damages of your car accident regardless of the status of the opposite person. If someone runs from the scene of the accident, and you locate them later, your insurance company can file a subrogation claim to recoup the costs.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

You should always make sure you and your passengers are safe after a car accident before doing anything else. Then you all need to take a trip to a hospital as soon as possible to make sure that you are all alright. Once everyone is safe and sound, you should contact the car accident attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski P.C. If your insurance doesn’t cover the damages to your vehicle and/or you have medical bills and lost wages to cover, we can help. Contact us today.