What Car Accident Victims Must Avoid After An Accident
After a car accident, you might not be in any mental state to make major decisions. Unfortunately, it's possible for some accident victims to accidentally hurt their chances of being compensated fairly. Avoiding the below mistakes, however, may mean you are paid what you deserve. Read on and find out what you should avoid and why.
Don't Say You're Sorry
You and everyone else at the scene might realize that the other driver was at fault for the accident. However, don't take any chances when it comes to fault. If you say that you are sorry that the accident happened or for the other driver's injuries, you could be seen as admitting fault. Stay away from the other driver unless the injuries and damage are minor. Call your local law enforcement to deal with getting insurance information from the other driver.
Don't Pass Up Medical Care
It's important, both for your health and for the sake of your accident claim, to seek medical care as soon as possible. Go to the emergency room or see your doctor right away. Watch for signs of delayed injuries, particularly head injuries, whiplash, and internal injuries. Be prepared to feel much worse a few hours after the accident. Once the adrenaline rush is over, your true physical status can be identified. Seeking help quickly helps show that your injuries were not caused by anything other than the accident.
Don't Discuss the Accident
You may be tempted to talk about the accident to almost anyone that you encounter. However, it's better to not say anything at all. You should call your auto insurance provider as soon as you can. However, you don't have to communicate with the other driver's insurer at all. It's also a good idea to avoid posting about the accident on social media for the time being. Everything you say and post can affect your case negatively.
Don't Dismiss the Need for a Lawyer
You might think you can handle an accident claim on your own, but many victims are not equipped to deal with accident and insurance matters. Even minor accidents can produce a host of issues that must be resolved. Speak to an accident lawyer who can help you avoid making other mistakes and who understands the accident process. They can guide you toward making good decisions with your best interests in mind. When it comes time to evaluate a settlement offer, they know how much you should be paid, and they know how to negotiate for that compensation on your behalf.
Speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out more.