Helping Your Attorney Help You after a Car Accident
Another motorist’s negligence has left you injured, and you are in a very precarious situation. It is only natural to be unsure about how best to proceed under these challenging circumstances. While every personal injury case is unique to the people and circumstances involved, there are some basic things you can do that will help your attorney craft your most robust case moving forward.
Follow These Guidelines
The basic guidelines that apply across the spectrum of car accident cases include the following:
Remain on the Scene – If you are involved in a car accident, remain at the scene of the accident until the authorities arrive. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, and doing so will make you appear guilty of something. If you are able, offer whatever aid you can at the scene, and if you are injured, accept the emergency medical services offered.
Call the Authorities – The first step you should take after pulling out of the path of traffic is to call the authorities and alert them to the accident and any serious injuries at the scene.
Remain Calm – Do yourself, and your car accident claim a favor by remaining as calm as you possibly can. If you allow your anger, your frustration, or the immense stress you are dealing with to get the better of you, it could come back to haunt your case later. Further, by remaining calm, you provide yourself with a better opportunity to collect your thoughts, jot down everything that led to and contributed to the accident, and generally help preserve evidence related to your claim.
Do Not Apologize or Admit Guilt – After an accident, it is only natural to want to say that you are sorry, but it is important to hit pause on this impulse. An apology can easily be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. Further, even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, keep it to yourself. The adrenaline coursing through you post-accident may be clouding your judgment.
Seek the Medical Attention You Need – Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should seek medical attention and carefully follow all medical instructions provided. Your health is simply too important to take risks. When you take your injuries seriously, it prompts the insurance company to do the same.
Keep an Accident Journal – An accident journal in which you write all information pertinent to your claim, including your ongoing medical expenses and your recollections about the accident, can prove invaluable.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney Today
Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard – proudly serving Killeen, Texas, for more than 20 years – is a resourceful personal injury attorney who is committed to employing the full force of his experience and legal acumen in pursuit of your most favorable case outcome. We are on your side, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.