5 things not to do after California truck accidents
Sometimes, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. After a truck accident in Sacramento — or any car accident, for that matter — there are a few things that you should certainly not do, some of which have legal ramifications.
— Do not drive away from the scene of the crash. Leaving an accident scene is a crime, especially if someone was hurt or killed. Even in a minor accident, though, you need to report it, give your insurance information to the other driver and get the other driver’s information.
— Do not neglect to contact the authorities. This is similar to the above but important to note. After the crash, calling 911 to have the California Highway Patrol or other appropriate law enforcement agency respond is necessary.
— Do not let your emotions take control. If you were not at fault in the accident, you may be both scared and angry. Your heart will be pumping, and you’ll be very worked up. However, you want to keep your cool, refraining from lashing out at the other driver. Do not do anything that could make the situation worse in the heat of the moment.
— Do not fail to make an immediate report. This means more than just calling the police. You also need to document everything that you can about the wreck, giving your account and perhaps even drawing a diagram of what happened. Do this while it is still fresh.
— Do not fail to see things through. There may be a lot of steps to take — such as filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation for your medical bills. Make sure you do it promptly.
Source: How Stuff Works, “5 Things You Should NOT Do After a Car Accident” Patrick E. George, Sep. 04, 2014