Getting into a car accident can be one of the scariest moments in someone’s life. Whether it’s a small fender-bender or a more serious crash, your mind starts racing, your heart beats fast, and you’re unsure what to do next. In these moments, it’s easy to make mistakes—even if you have the best intentions. According to a Tempe car accident attorney, what you do after an accident can affect your ability to get help, support, or even fair payment for your injuries.
This article shares the most common mistakes people make after car accidents and offers expert advice on how to avoid them. If you live in Tempe or nearby and have been in a crash, reading this could help protect your rights and health.
Forgetting to Call the Police Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a car accident is not calling the police. Some drivers think the crash is too small to report, especially if there aren’t any serious injuries. Others might feel bad or worried about getting someone in trouble. But no matter what, calling the police is very important.
A police officer can come to the scene and create an official report. This report helps show what happened, who might be at fault, and how bad the crash was. Without it, insurance companies may argue about what really happened. They may even try to blame you. If you plan to talk to a Tempe car accident attorney, having a police report gives them something strong to work with when helping your case.
In some cases, the other driver might ask you not to call the police. They may offer to “handle it privately” or pay for the damage out of their own pocket. While this might sound easy, it can go wrong quickly. You might find out later that your car needs more repairs than expected or that you have a hidden injury. If there’s no official record, it’s much harder to prove your side of the story.
Admitting Fault at the Scene
Another common mistake after a crash is saying, “I’m sorry,” or “It was my fault.” People often say these things out of politeness or shock. You might feel like you caused the crash, even if you’re unsure. But saying it out loud can be used against you later.
A Tempe car accident attorney explains that determining fault is a job for the police, insurance companies, and—if needed—legal professionals. Admitting guilt at the scene can weaken their legal rights even if they aren’t entirely at fault. You might later discover the other driver was speeding, using their phone, or breaking another traffic rule.
So what should you say instead? Keep things simple and calm. Check if everyone is okay and wait for the police to arrive. You can exchange insurance and contact information but don’t talk about who caused the accident. Let the professionals use facts and reports to figure that out.
Not Getting Medical Help Immediately
It’s common for people to think they’re fine right after a car crash. Your body is running on adrenaline, so you might not feel pain right away. But many injuries—especially neck, back, or brain injuries—don’t show up until hours or even days later.
Not getting medical help can lead to two major problems. First, your health might get worse if you delay treatment. Second, your delay in seeking help may be used by insurance companies to deny your claim. They might say, “If the person didn’t go to the doctor, they must not be hurt.”
Seeing a doctor after a crash helps protect your health and your case. A Tempe car accident attorney often recommends getting checked even if you feel okay. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, having a medical record right after the crash makes it easier to prove that your injury came from the accident—not something else.
Also, follow all the doctor’s advice. If they tell you to go to physical therapy or take medicine, do it. Skipping treatment can make your recovery harder and give insurance companies another excuse not to pay for your care.
Failing to Collect Evidence at the Scene
Once the crash is over and everyone is safe, the next step should be to gather as much information as possible. Many people forget this part or think it’s not important. But collecting evidence right after the accident can make a huge difference later on.
Take pictures of everything. That includes your car, the other car, the road, and any signs or signals nearby. Also, photograph any injuries you or your passengers might have. These images tell the story of the accident in a way that words sometimes can’t. If you end up needing help from a Tempe car accident attorney, these pictures can help support your side of the story.
You should also write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. These are people who saw the crash happen and can tell what they saw if needed. Witnesses are important, especially if the other driver tries to change their story later.
If you’re too hurt or shaken up to collect this information, ask someone nearby for help. In today’s world, almost everyone has a phone that can take photos. Don’t leave the scene without gathering this important evidence unless you have to go to the hospital right away.
Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice
After a crash, your phone might start ringing right away. Insurance companies will want to know what happened. They might sound friendly or like they’re trying to help. But be careful. Their main goal is to save money—not to help you.
Some people talk too much or give statements that can later be used against them. Others accept the first offer they get, even if it’s way less than what they deserve. Once you agree to a payment or sign certain papers, it’s often hard or impossible to go back and ask for more.
This is why speaking with a Tempe car accident attorney before talking to the insurance company can be a smart move. A good attorney understands how insurance companies work and can guide you on what to say—or not say. They can also help you understand your case’s worth, especially if you have serious injuries or damage.
Remember, you don’t have to rush. It’s okay to tell the insurance company you’ll get back to them. Take your time, talk to someone who knows the law, and protect your rights before making any big decisions.
Conclusion
Accidents are stressful, confusing, and sometimes painful. But how you respond afterward matters a lot. Skipping medical care, not calling the police, admitting fault too soon, failing to collect evidence, and dealing with insurance companies on your own are just a few of the mistakes that can hurt your case.
By avoiding these missteps, you give yourself a better chance of recovering physically, emotionally, and financially. A Tempe car accident attorney can be one of your best allies during this time. They understand the local laws, know how to deal with insurance companies, and are committed to helping you get the support you deserve.
Whether you’re trying to heal, fix your car, or just understand what happened, don’t face it all alone. Talking to a qualified attorney can make a big difference. After all, it’s not just about getting money—it’s about getting your life back on track.
