After you have been in a car accident, you may feel as if you have no idea what to do next. Along with a vehicle that is severely damaged, you may be staring at a long recovery from serious injuries, a prolonged absence from your job, and months of medical appointments. To make sure everything turns out well in the end, here are seven things that must be done following your accident.
Call 911
Always call the police to the accident scene. This will ensure the accident is documented and investigated by police to determine who they believe to be at fault for the accident. Once the accident report is filed, always obtain a copy.
Get Medical Treatment
Never refuse medical treatment at the scene of your accident. Instead, receive medical evaluations from paramedics, and also allow yourself to be taken to a hospital for additional tests. This gets your injuries immediately documented in your medical records.
Contact an Attorney
Even if you are in the hospital, always contact an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. By speaking with an attorney like Graves Edward M III Law Office, you can learn how your case could proceed, how much financial compensation you may receive, and much more. This also helps give you less to keep track of as they will handle most of the insurance correspondence for you.
Stay Off Social Media
While recovering at home, stay off social media. By doing so, you won’t make the mistake of posting photos or comments that may be used against you by the other driver’s attorneys or their insurance company.
Don’t Say “I’m Sorry”
No matter what, never say “I’m sorry” to the police, the other driver, or anyone else while your case plays out. If you do, this sounds as if you are admitting the accident was your fault.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies
If an insurance company contacts you, they will not be on your side. Instead, they will be attempting to trick you into saying something incriminating. Should you make this mistake, it can make your case much more difficult to win.
Let Your Lawyer Negotiate
Finally, always let your lawyer negotiate with the insurance company to reach an out-of-court settlement. If you don’t and instead choose to take the first offer given to you by the insurance company, you will likely not receive enough money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Though you will be eager to put your car accident in the rearview mirror and begin moving forward with your life, don’t act hastily and make critical mistakes. By keeping these seven tips in mind along the way, you can emerge with the maximum amount of financial compensation you deserve.
Author information: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter: @RachelleWilber
