What Not to Do After Your West Virginia Car Accident

Unfortunately, car accidents are all too common on West Virginia roads. Careless driving and reckless driving habits such as driving while intoxicated or texting while driving, can have catastrophic consequences on the safety of all drivers and passengers.

If you have been the victim of a careless driver in a West Virginia car accident, you should take care not to compromise your personal injury car accident claim. By failing to take the appropriate action immediately after your car accident, you will harm the strength of your case.

Several common mistakes can be avoided when you know what not to do after you are involved in a West Virginia car accident: 

• Don't move your vehicle. Some drivers instinctively move their car away from the accident. This can jeopardize the ability to evaluate liability. You should only move your vehicle if it is unsafe to leave it where it is.  
• Do not exacerbate your injury. Unnecessary movement may worsen your injury, so try to stay still or limit your movements until you receive medical care. 
• Do not discuss the accident. Avoid talking about what happened at the scene until police arrive. 
• Do not say "I'm sorry," or apologize to anyone involved. Apologizing for anything can be taken as an admission of guilt. 
• Don't underestimate your injury. You may feel fine initially, but symptoms from whiplash, brain injuries and other injuries can take time to manifest. If asked whether you are OK, say you do not know. 
• Do not refuse medical attention. Again, you may feel fine or that your injury is minor at the time, but symptoms may worsen or may not be immediately evident. Get checked out as soon as possible.

To learn more about what to do after a West Virginia car accident, visit our article library.

Unfortunately, car accidents are a regular occurrence on West Virginia roadways such as I-79, I-77, Route 50, Route 33, and I-68. In fact, our state averages over 40,000 car crashes, over 400 deaths, and over 11,000 serious injuries each year. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a West Virginia car accident, order a FREE copy of our consumer guide, The 7 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your West Virginia Car Accident Claim then contact the Clarksburg personal injury attorneys at The Miley Legal Group for a FREE consultation - 304-326-1800