Don't Do These Things Immediately Following A Car Accident
Posted on: 5 October 2022
A car accident can leave you in a bewildered state in which you will not be thinking with clarity. With that said, it's not uncommon for people to make mistakes when interacting with the other driver or another party immediately after the accident. If you believe the accident was the other party's fault and may be entitled to some type of financial compensation, it's important that you choose your words carefully in the immediate aftermath of the wreck. Here are some tips on mistakes you should avoid in order to protect your legal rights and your chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit.
Don't Ever Say You're Sorry
It's human nature to apologize after something goes wrong, but a car accident is not something you should be apologizing for, even if you do feel it's partially your fault. An apology can be viewed as an admission of guilt in court and might be used to show that you are indeed at least partially responsible for what happened, which could limit any payout you receive from a personal injury court case. Minimize your own fault when speaking to the other party or the police, or do your best to say as little as possible in the immediate aftermath. If the police are pressing you for more details, contact a car accident attorney and let your legal representative handle the situation.
Don't Speak Directly to the Other Party's Insurance Firm (and Maybe Follow the Same Rule for Your Own)
At some point following the accident, you and the other party will both likely reach out to your respective insurance agencies. The insurance agency that represents the other party might try to reach out to you directly. You should only give an account to your own insurer and let them handle the other insurance agency. But with that said, there's also an argument to be made that maybe you shouldn't even speak directly to your own insurance agent. One slip up and you might leave yourself in a bad spot. A car accident attorney can do the talking for you so you can protect your legal rights and your future personal injury case.
Don't Leave the Crash Site Without Snapping a Few Photos or Seeking Medical Assistance If Needed
Winning a car crash injury case often depends on the evidence. Be sure to snap some photos of the wreck before you leave. If you have injuries, be sure the authorities are notified and seek medical help. Declining medical help could be seen as a sign that your injury is not that bad.
Contact a car accident attorney today to discuss your case.
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