When involved in an automobile accident, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Hiring an automobile accident lawyer is one of the best ways to do this. However, there are certain do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of when dealing with lawyers and auto accident claims. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five reasons why you should hire a lawyer after an accident, as well as some tips for making sure that your claim is handled properly. With this information, you can be sure to receive the best possible outcome from your accident claim.
DON’T give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company
After an automobile accident, it’s common for the other driver’s insurance company to reach out to you to ask for a recorded statement about what happened. However, it’s important to remember that their goal is to minimize the amount of money they’ll have to pay out for damages and injuries resulting from the accident.
Giving a recorded statement can be risky because you may say something that can be used against you later on. You may not fully understand the extent of your injuries or the damage to your vehicle immediately after the accident, and may unintentionally minimize the severity of either.
Instead of giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, it’s recommended that you first speak with an automobile accident lawyer who can advise you on the best course of action. They can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you don’t inadvertently say anything that could harm your claim. Remember, the insurance company is not your advocate and they may try to use your recorded statement to deny or reduce your claim.
It’s also important to note that if the other driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company is responsible for paying for your damages and injuries, so it’s essential that you seek legal guidance to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your losses.
DO contact your own insurance company
One of the first things you should do after an automobile accident is to contact your own insurance company. This is important for several reasons.
Firstly, your insurance company will be able to guide you through the claims process and advise you on how to proceed. They will also be able to provide you with important information about your policy, such as your coverage limits and deductibles.
Secondly, contacting your insurance company early on can help to expedite the claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to as quickly as possible. Your insurance company can also work with the other driver’s insurance company to determine who is at fault and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Finally, failing to contact your insurance company promptly after an accident can lead to delays in processing your claim or even result in the denial of your claim. This can leave you responsible for paying for the damages and injuries resulting from the accident out of your own pocket.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to automobile accidents. By contacting your own insurance company promptly after an accident, you can help to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
DON’T sign any documents without consulting with an attorney
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after an auto accident is signing any documents without first consulting with an attorney. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next, but signing any documents without fully understanding their implications can have serious consequences.
Insurance companies are not your friend, and they may try to pressure you into signing documents that are not in your best interest. For example, they may offer you a settlement that seems like a fair amount, but it may not be enough to cover your current and future medical expenses and lost wages.
By consulting with an experienced automobile accident lawyer, you can be sure that you’re making informed decisions about signing documents related to your claim. They can review any paperwork before you sign and make sure you’re not signing away your rights to a fair settlement.
Furthermore, an attorney can advise you on what documentation you should gather to support your case, and they can help you negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you after an accident. Consult with an attorney and protect your rights.
DO take photographs of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle
One of the most important steps you can take after an automobile accident is to document the scene of the accident and any resulting injuries and damages. Taking photographs of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle can help your attorney build a strong case on your behalf.
Photographs can help establish who was at fault in the accident by showing the position of the vehicles and any skid marks on the road. They can also demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. In addition, photographs can help preserve important evidence, such as weather and road conditions at the time of the accident.
When taking photographs, be sure to take pictures from various angles, including close-ups and wide shots. You should also take photographs of any traffic signals or signs that may have played a role in the accident.
If you’re unable to take photographs yourself due to your injuries, ask someone at the scene to do so on your behalf. Alternatively, your attorney may be able to obtain photographs from the police report or from witnesses.
By taking photographs of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle, you can help your attorney build a strong case on your behalf and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. So, remember, always take photographs after an automobile accident.
DO seek medical attention even if you don’t think you’re injured
One of the biggest mistakes people make after being in a car accident is assuming they aren’t injured if they don’t feel any immediate pain. However, it’s important to remember that injuries can sometimes take days or even weeks to manifest.
If you don’t seek medical attention after an accident, not only could you be putting your health at risk, but it could also hurt your chances of receiving compensation for any injuries later on. Insurance companies may argue that if you didn’t seek medical attention immediately, you must not have been injured in the accident.
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s best to go to a doctor or medical professional to get checked out. They can identify any potential injuries, such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, or a concussion, that may not be immediately obvious.
Additionally, seeking medical attention creates an official record of your injuries, which can help support your claim for compensation. If you don’t have any medical records, it can be difficult to prove the extent of your injuries, which can hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health after an accident. Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel like you need it, to ensure you’re healthy and to protect your chances of receiving compensation later on.
