10 Things You Should Never Do Following A Car Accident
You will likely feel a bit stressed and disorientated in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. Your safety and well-being are the first priority, naturally. But once you have checked everyone is okay, your actions and words could be crucial.
There are certain protocols and guidelines that you need to try and remember and follow. Do or say the wrong things and it could have severe consequences in relation to the eventual outcome if a compensation claim must be filed to help redress your financial loss.
A good car accident lawyer will always tell you that there are certain things you should never do after having a car accident. Here’s what you need to know.
Always call the police
Calling a police officer to the scene ensures they collect useful evidence and take witness statements. They also prepare a crash report. This could be critical when you make a compensation claim. Don’t be tempted to skip calling the cops.
Don’t admit guilt
It is never advisable to admit guilt or accept liability for an accident at the roadside.
It is always better to avoid making any statements that could be used against you at a later date. Let your lawyer do the talking when things have settled down.
Always seek medical help
Don’t be tempted to avoid seeking medical help. It is not always easy to assess the extent of your injuries after an accident. Always get checked over by a physician as soon as possible.
This action could be crucial to making a claim if you subsequently discover you have medical issues that need fixing as a result of the accident.
Don’t assume you won’t need evidence
Get your phone out and take pictures of the scene. Your snaps could provide useful evidence at a later date.
Don’t just accept what your insurance company tells yo
It is wise to remember that your insurer has an incentive to try and reduce or deny your claim as any payout impacts their profits. Don’t accept what they offer or tell you without checking with a lawyer.
Don’t be tempted to take the first offer
If your insurance company does offer you a cash settlement it is highly likely that their first offer is not their best offer.
Don’t delay when filing your claim
Many states have time limits for filing a claim. If you wait too long to make a claim for compensation you might be denied the opportunity to get what you deserve.
Always defend a traffic ticket
There’s a good chance that you might be issued with a traffic ticket after the accident. It is important to fight it as it could harm your ability to win a civil court case at a later date.
Your lawyer can help you defend a traffic ticket and explain why it matters to do so.
Always provide all of the details
When you instruct a lawyer to assist you with a claim they need to know every part of the story. Don’t be tempted to skip parts or gloss over details when providing your account. Even seemingly trivial details could prove crucial.
Always ask as many questions as you need to
The last bit of advice is to speak up and don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have about the legal process. Keeping quiet and making assumptions is never a good idea.
If you can remember these important dos and don’ts when you are involved in a car accident it could make a big difference to any claim you make. Always talk to a lawyer as soon as possible as they have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process.
