The human body reacts strongly to traumatic and stressful experiences. The brain releases chemicals that cover someone’s sense of pain and may allow them to flee a dangerous situation. Unfortunately, that chemical reaction that people experience also impedes their higher cognitive functions.
People may struggle to make rational choices in the aftermath of the car crash because of how their bodies and brains react to the incident. They can easily make mistakes if they don’t understand the risks inherent in the situation. For example, the three mistakes below are among the most common errors committed by those involved in a Minnesota collision.
Not reporting the incident
Minnesota law requires that people report crashes that produce significant property damage or cause injury to people. Unfortunately, many drivers will try to talk others out of reporting an incident. Agreeing to handle the matter privately can be a major mistake, as there may not be any formal record of the crash. People may struggle to take legal action or file an insurance claim if they do not report the matter as they should after the crash initially occurs.
Apologizing to others
It is almost instinctual for lifelong Minnesotans to apologize when they inconvenience other people. Even those who know that the other driver was at fault for the crash may apologize to the other driver, the police officer taking the report and anyone else that they perceive as experiencing inconvenience because of the incident. While that may seem like the nice thing to do, it is a legally dangerous action. People often treat apologies as admissions of fault. A record of someone apologizing to others could affect their insurance claim or litigation later if they pursue compensation.
Declining medical care or evaluation
Many people involved in crashes immediately assert that they are fine and have no injuries. However, some injuries are hard to identify without special equipment. Brain injuries and internal bleeding, for example, are quite easy for those without formal training to overlook after a car crash. Someone with serious injuries may not even have symptoms for the first few days after the incident. Particularly if the crash involved high speeds or the vehicles suffered major damage, seeing a medical doctor can help rule out severe injuries and protect someone’s rights to pursue compensation in the future if necessary.
Those concerned about the aftermath of a recent car crash may want to seek guidance regarding their situation and Minnesota laws more broadly. Avoiding common mistakes can help diminish the lasting impact that a Minnesota car wreck could have on the people involved in an injurious incident.