Never do these things at the scene of a car accident in Nova Scotia
Do you know your legal obligations when involved in a car accident? At our law firm, we’ve met many victims of car accidents who made common mistakes that led to serious legal issues. Your next steps following a car accident will determine how well you are protected if someone files a claim against you. As a rule of thumb, you should never make statements that could be interpreted as you assuming responsibility or liability after the car accident. We’ll take a look at other mistakes people make in a car accident scene in Nova Scotia that you should always avoid.
Leaving the scene of the accident
Whether or not there are visible physical injuries, you should never drive away from the scene of an accident. Most victims feel confused and shaken after a collision, but this is not enough justification to flee from the scene of the accident. In fact, fleeing from the scene of a car accident is considered a violation of the Highway Traffic Act. If found guilty, you may be fined up to $2000, sentenced to imprisonment for up to 6 months or have your license suspended for up to 2 years.
Take the following steps at the scene of the car accident
- Compose yourself and stay calm
- Put the car in parking mode, turn on the hazard lights
- Turn off the car’s ignition
- Check to ensure no one is injured or hurt
- Check to ensure it’s safe to exit the car
- Call the police immediately (If unable to call the police, ask someone to do it for you)
Discussing the accident with others
Another common mistake we’ve seen being made by those involved in car accidents is discussing the events leading to the collision with unauthorized persons. You should only discuss the accident with the police and emergency medical personnel while at the scene of the accident. Most accidents occur so fast and it’s common for the victims to be unable to accurately describe the events leading to the accident. The cause of the accident can only be determined after thorough investigations are done by the police and witness statements are evaluated. Do not make the mistake of admitting fault or saying things concerning the accident without the presence of a lawyer.
Failing to seek medical attention early
When you take too long to seek treatment or a medical evaluation after a car accident, you risk missing important information that can be used to file your claim for damages. Some symptoms of physical injuries only appear hours or even days after the actual accident. You could be suffering a serious concussion or other issues that only a doctor can diagnose.
If you have been injured in a car accident, talk to a personal injury lawyer in Nova Scotia to help you understand your rights and legal options. You need sound legal advice to successfully file a car accident claim and get compensated for all damages incurred.