Your Car Accident Claim: What Not to Do
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, it isn't easy to know how best to proceed. Every car accident claim is unique, and while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, there are some things that you definitely should not do after being injured in a car accident.
Do Not Start With I'm Sorry
We were all raised to be polite, and part of that involves apologizing when something goes wrong (whether we had anything to do with it or not). After a car accident, however, is no time to put this reaction into practice. Saying you are sorry after a car accident can reasonably be translated to mean that you are sorry for causing the accident, negatively affecting your case.
Do Not Skip Calling the Police
It is not uncommon for an at-fault driver to want to avoid calling the police after an accident. Such a driver will often offer to pay for the damages himself or herself and ask to exchange contact information instead of alerting the authorities. Do not trust this driver to follow through with this offer. Further, even if they do follow through, it is unlikely to cover the full range of your damages. If another motorist leaves you with car damage or physical injuries, calling the police is critical.
Do Not Put off Visiting the Doctor
If you have been in a car accident of any magnitude, it is in your best interest – and the best interest of your case – to seek medical attention. If you are seriously injured, it is vital to obtain the emergency care you need by calling 9-1-1 immediately. However, if your injuries do not appear serious, it is essential to consider all of the following:
The adrenaline that pumps through your body post-accident can mask the signs of a severe injury.
Even a minor injury can morph into something much more severe without proper medical attention.
Some injuries do not present with symptoms until they develop into something far more severe.
Seek the medical attention you need, and if you are not sure that you do need medical attention, err on the side of prudence.
Do Not Handle the Insurance Company on Your Own
You have been injured in a car accident, and this means you are especially vulnerable, which also means that now is not a great time to provide the insurance company with a statement about the accident. No requirement forces you to give the insurance company a recorded or written report. You should think carefully before doing so.
Now Is a Good Time to Call an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney
If another driver leaves you injured, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a resourceful personal injury attorney with precisely the skill, experience, and fortitude you need. We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.