October 2026

Key takeaways Always stop at the scene, help anyone who’s hurt, and exchange license, registration, and insurance information, since leaving can lead to hit-and-run charges. Most crashes are civil or traffic matters. DUI, hit-and-run, reckless driving, or serious injuries can turn one into a criminal case. You have the right to remain silent at the

A car accident creates immediate confusion, even when the damage appears minor. In the moments after a crash, decisions are made quickly, but those early actions often determine how smoothly insurance claims are processed, how liability is established, and whether compensation is fully recovered later. Many people focus only on vehicle damage, but the legal