Knowing the proper steps to take after an accident is incredibly important. From collecting the right evidence and speaking carefully when communicating with police and insurance companies, the decisions you make after an accident can have a serious effect on your future.
Familiarizing yourself with post-accident protocol ahead of time ensures you are prepared to act decisively and protect yourself if the situation ever arises. Knowing what to do also allows for more accurate portrayal of events, as well as faster resolution of any disputes over liability or recompense.
In short, being aware of what to do and what to expect following an accident has long-term implications and can truly benefit those caught in these tricky situations.
1. Insurance Adjusters Work to Protect Their Profits
Insurance adjusters serve an important function in processing claims, but their primary obligation is to the insurance company, not to you. As a result, adjusters may try to lowball claimants in order to make sure that payouts are kept as low as possible.
Without a clear understanding of your rights, you may find yourself accepting far less than your claim is worth. Because of this practice, it’s important for claimants to research their rights before meeting with an adjuster and take time to familiarize themselves with any relevant legal language in their policy or other documents.
Knowledge can help claimants protect themselves from insurance companies. Learn more about what not to say to insurance adjusters.
2. Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement Without a Lawyer Present
After being involved in a car crash, do not provide a recorded statement until consulting with an attorney. While insurance companies may make it seem like a requirement, you do not need to answer any questions or share any details regarding the crash without the presence of legal counsel.
Recorded statements can be used against you by the other party and their insurance company, regardless of whether they are true or not. It is best practice to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your personal safety and legal rights are protected in a car crash. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can feel confident that your voice will be listened to and your best interests will be represented in court.
3. Pictures Help Build Your Case
After a car accident, in order to build your case and help prove your claims, taking pictures of the crash scene can be invaluable. Providing supportive material such as photographs to document the crash helps build an accurate representation of what happened without relying solely on he said-she said reports.
By providing clear images of the aftermath along with evidence such as police reports or doctor’s records, you can ensure that all aspects of the crash have been properly evaluated and your claim is being recognized fairly. Keep all documentation organized and readily accessible, as it may be needed at any stage of the claims or legal process.
4. You Can Seek Multiple Types of Compensation
Many accident victims do not realize the full scope of compensation they may be entitled to following a crash. Most people are aware that the other party’s insurance company can repair the damages, but they may not be aware that they can seek additional compensation, such as payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Depending on the specifics of the crash and how severely it affected any involved parties, it may be appropriate to request compensation for events related to the accident. With an experienced attorney at your side, you have a good chance of being compensated fairly for all of your losses.
5. Work Quickly to Get Medical Care
Seeking medical attention immediately after a crash is one of the most important steps you can take, both for your health and for your legal claim. If emergency assistance is needed at the scene, it takes priority over everything else Read more on the 5 most common car accident injuries.
Once that’s done, get to a qualified medical professional as soon as possible after the accident so they can assess your condition and prepare a personalized plan of action. Waiting too long may cause more harm than good in your recovery process, so it’s generally best to err on the side of caution. Take action quickly to get the care you need right away and increase the likelihood of proper healing post-accident.
Our team at Stewart Law Offices stands ready to pursue compensation when you need it most. Trust that we’ll be there on your side throughout the process. Let us go above and beyond on your behalf.