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Every day, you probably drive the roads and highways of northern Alabama. Going to school. Going to work. Going to shop. Going to other activities. Thankfully, most people never face a serious car accident injury. What if you are involved in a serious car accident?

I want to talk about two mistakes accident victims sometimes make at the scene. These two mistakes typically occur because we all want to be friendly. We should all be friendly. But, we should also be careful with our words. What are these two common accident scene mistakes?

Mistake One:  The Car Accident Victim Makes Admissions At The Scene

In the first moments after a car crash, you may be in shock. Your adrenaline is flowing. Thoughts race through your mind. What happened? Is everyone OK?

In the process of checking on everyone at the scene, you may even say “I’m sorry.” It’s a natural response. It’s a friendly reaction. The expression is meant to be polite. Yet, other people may interpret these words as an admission of fault.

After a serious accident, you should express concern for everyone. But, you should also be careful with your words. Don’t apologize when you are not really at fault. Don’t apologize when you may be uncertain as to what just happened. If you do apologize at the scene, it may be used against you in a personal injury case.

Mistake Two:  The Car Accident Victim Minimizes Possible Personal Injuries

Shock! Adrenaline! These are normal post-crash reactions. Adrenaline can mask real injuries. You may not feel hurt in the moments after a crash. In fact, you may not feel hurt until hours later when your adrenaline decreases.

It’s not just adrenaline masking injuries. Many accident victims suffer latent injuries. That’s a topic I’ve discussed several times on my blog.

I’ve listened to countless car wreck victims who began hurting badly later that night or the next day. Their adrenaline decreased. Their damaged muscles tightened, spasmed, or became inflamed over time.

In some cases, latent injuries take even longer to reach their full impact. For example, let’s look at a ruptured spinal disc. If the ruptured disc impinges on a nerve in your spine, you may progressively develop radiating pain, weakness or numbness over weeks or months.

Don’t minimize your injuries at the scene. Don’t say you are fine without being completely certain. You may not know the extent of your injuries until days, weeks, or even months, later.

Avoid Common Car Accident Scene Mistakes

I know accident scenes are chaotic and confusing. I know many injuries take time to be felt and understood. I know many accident victims are simply grateful to be alive at the scene. But, it’s important to avoid these two common accident mistakes that can harm your personal injury claim.