There are more than two hundred million licensed drivers in the United States. Every day, millions of people use our country’s roads to drive to work, run errands, or simply enjoy a relaxing cruise behind the wheel. Of course, one of the greatest dangers of driving is the ever-present risk of a car crash.

Although it’s unpleasant to think about, most drivers in the U.S. will experience at least one car crash at some point in their life. In the heat of the moment, many drivers accidentally say the wrong thing or take actions that run counterintuitive to their own well-being. We hope this article helps you understand some common mistakes that occur in the aftermath of a crash, so you don’t make the same errors if you ever find yourself in the same situation.

Mistake #1: Leaving the Scene of an Accident

It’s completely understandable to feel frazzled after experiencing a serious collision, especially if you or a loved one are hurt. However, you must always remain at the scene of the crash and exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the incident. If you leave the scene of a crash without calling the proper authorities and exchanging contact information, you may be guilty of committing a hit-and-run. The penalties for committing a hit-and-run can be very serious, especially if someone was injured or killed in the wreck.

Mistake #2: Failing to Call 911

One of the first things you should do after experiencing a car accident is calling 911. If an accident is relatively minor, law enforcement may simply direct you to exchange contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash, without police being diverted to the crash scene. However, police may be dispatched to the scene of a collision to make a report. This police report plays a significant role in determining who is found liable for the car crash.

If anyone in your car or another vehicle is injured, make sure to clearly convey this information to a 911 dispatcher over the phone. They can send an ambulance to ensure any victims receive prompt medical care.

Mistake #3: Admitting Fault for a Crash at the Scene

You may feel stressed, upset, scared, or angry following a car crash. It’s entirely normal to feel a range of emotions in such a scary situation! However, it’s important to remain composed at the scene of the collision. You should never admit fault or apologize to the other people involved in the collision, even if you believe that the accident was your fault. It’s possible that unseen conditions contributed to the accident that you aren’t aware of; perhaps the other driver was speeding, your car had a defect that caused the crash, or the road was inherently unsafe.

Without complete knowledge of all the factors that could have contributed to your crash, never admit fault at the scene of the collision. Allow law enforcement and accident recreation specialists to investigate further before taking the blame for a collision that may not have been your fault.

Mistake #4: Not Seeking Medical Care After a Crash

Many people feel completely unscathed in the aftermath of a wreck, no matter the damage to their vehicle. In some cases, adrenaline may mask the symptoms of a serious injury in the moments immediately following a collision. It may take hours or even days for you to feel the full effect of any injuries you suffered.

Since car crashes can cause life-threatening internal injuries, spinal cord damage, and other significant medical complications, you should always see a doctor after a wreck. Even if you are unharmed, the peace of mind you’ll gain from getting a clean bill of health can be considerable.

Mistake #5: Accepting the First Settlement Offer

When you are found not at-fault for a crash, it’s likely that the liable party’s insurance company will quickly reach out to you with a settlement offer for your injuries and damages. In many cases, this offer will fall well short of the damages you suffered in the wreck. If you choose to accept this initial offer, you almost always forego your right to take legal action against the liable party in the future. You should always wait until you reach the point of maximum medical improvement before deciding to accept an insurance company’s offer.

Stay Safe on the Roads This Winter

As we approach the end of the year, we hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and uneventful winter holiday season! If you do get into a weather-related wreck, stay calm and remember these tips. They might just help you secure the best possible outcome after a collision.