Your mental state is likely to be in shambles after a car accident. You may be injured, the vehicle might be extensively damaged, or you may simply be in shock, even if none of the aforementioned possibilities came to fruition. Because of all the racing thoughts coursing through your head, keep in mind several important what to do and what not do guidelines following your car accident. It is essential that you remember these things since they could potentially be the difference in you receiving compensation for your incident and not.
The first few hours after your car accident are crucial to your ability to successfully file a claim for damages or injuries. You must contact the proper authorities and agencies to make reports that objectively reflect all details of the incident as soon as possible. This must be done with haste so that you do not forget any crucial aspects of the event. To make sure this is done promptly and correctly, follow these guidelines on what to do after an accident.
- Call the police : A critical part of your case, no matter what transpired in the collision, is the police report. The officer filling out your report will record all information as objectively as possible, and take down details of events that occurred before, during, and after the crash. If anyone involved becomes aggressive or violent, they are also crucial to protecting your safety.
- Document all evidence : Record every possible detail of the car accident scene. This means taking photos and videos of all damages and injuries incurred during the crash. Make sure to write down the name and personal information of all other parties involved, and record all relevant environmental details as well. (For example, if an icy road contributed to the loss of traction, this must be noted.)
- Seek medical attention. You may not feel injured, but this is likely due to the high concentrations of adrenaline running through your system. Visit a medical professional immediately after your accident so they can alert you to physical conditions that you would not otherwise be aware of.
What Not to Do After an Accident
In some circumstances, the insurance provider of the negligent party may attempt to contact you and ask for details of the incident. You are not obligated to speak to them, nor should you. Insurers are known to twist the words and intents of victims so as to avoid a payout for the compensation of medical expenses, repairs, and any other fees that arise in the aftermath of a collision.
Additionally, never admit fault. Even if you believe the incident was partially or fully your fault, keep phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I should have seen you” to yourself. This language may be the make-or-break of whether you receive compensation. There is undoubtedly a myriad of things running through your mind as you recover from a car accident. As long as you follow these Dos and Don’ts before contacting a lawyer, you’ll be on your way to a strong case to fund your recovery.