When you’re involved in a car accident, it can be hard to think clearly and act decisively and rationally. This is especially true if you or someone else is injured. The last thing you want to think about is the legal ramifications. However, it is important to be aware of some of the things you should and should not do to protect yourself and make the process as smooth as possible. This article is designed to give you some real-world advice on how to make the best of your situation after an auto collision.
Call The Police
The first thing you should do is call the police. This may seem like an obvious step, but many people think they can handle the situation themselves or that the insurance companies will take care of everything. Insurance companies are not on your side and their adjusters are trained to lowball you. By calling the police, you create an impartial third party to document the accident. A police report usually includes important information such as the names and contact information of everyone involved, a description of what happened, and sometimes even a diagram. This documentation can be invaluable later on if there are any disputes about what happened or who is at fault.
Contact Your Lawyer
One of the most important things you should do is call your lawyer. Even if you don’t plan on filing a lawsuit, it’s always a good idea to at least speak with one. Many personal injury lawyers in Spring Hill will give you a free consultation to evaluate your case. If they think you have a strong case, they may even offer to represent you on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win. Consulting with a Spring Hill personal injury attorney early on can help ensure that you are taking the right steps and not inadvertently doing something that could hurt your chances of recovering compensation. This way you ensure that you are fully protected.
Be Careful With Insurance Companies
The job of an insurance company is to make money, and they do that by paying out as little as possible on claims. Even if you have great coverage, the insurance company will still try to minimize their payout. This is why it’s so important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. They can help negotiate with the insurance company and make sure you are getting the full amount you are entitled to. In addition, never give a recorded statement to an insurance company without first speaking with your attorney as they may even try to trick you into saying something that isn’t true. The insurance company will use anything you say against you to devalue your claim or deny it altogether, so be careful.
Keep a Record of Everything
In addition to keeping a record of the accident itself, it’s also important to keep track of all your medical treatments and expenses. This includes not only doctor visits and hospital bills, but also prescription medications, therapy, and any other treatments or services you may need. You should also keep track of how much time you’ve had to take off work and any other losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. All of this information can be helpful when it comes time to negotiate with the insurance company.
Watch What You Post Online
In today’s age of social media, it’s important to be careful about what you post online. Insurance companies will often try to obtain your social media records to look for anything that could be used against you. Even if you think your posts are private, there is always the possibility that they could be obtained through a third party or hacked. It’s best to avoid posting anything about your accident or injury online altogether. You should also be careful to adjust with accepting friend requests from people you don’t know, as they may be insurance trying to get information about your case.
Cooperate With the Police and Your Lawyer
Lastly, it’s important to cooperate with the police and your lawyer. This means being honest and upfront about what happened and not trying to hide anything. It’s also important to keep in mind that insurance companies and the other side will be looking for any reason to discredit you, so it’s best to avoid giving them any ammunition. Be sure to follow all instructions from the police and your lawyer and don’t try to take matters into your own hands. Otherwise, you could end up jeopardizing your case.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that you are taking the right steps after being involved in a car accident. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.