Things You Should Not Do after a Car Accident

Injury Claim

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While every car accident encompasses its own unique set of circumstances, there are several universal things you should never do after being involved in a car accident. Knowing what not to do can help you better protect your health and your car accident claim.

Do Not Refuse Medical Care

If the EMTs on the scene offer or suggest medical attention, accept it. Your health is too important to take any chances. Even if medical attention at the scene is not forthcoming, seek medical attention on your own as soon as possible. Serious injuries can hide in plain sight, and erring on the side of caution is always in your best interest.

Do Not Trust the Other Driver

It is not unusual for an at-fault driver to want to bypass calling the police and to deal with the accident between yourselves (by offering to pay for the damages outright). First of all, there is no way to know the full extent of your damages from the outset, and second of all, you have absolutely no reason to trust this stranger. After an accident, you are legally obligated to contact the police, and you should do so.

Do Not Talk to the Insurance Representative

If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you will be hearing from his or her insurance company. While the stress and confusion of the situation may leave you wanting to explain yourself, now is not the time. Insurance reps are well versed at culling statements from flummoxed accident victims that are later used against their cases. Leave the insurance company to your personal injury attorney.

Do Not Post on Social Media

We have all become reliant upon social media to share every detail of our lives. If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, however, it is an excellent time to take a break from this habit. When you post a photo or message on your social media platforms, it is difficult to guide the narrative, and we have all seen a post or two that has gone horribly wrong. Consider the following:

  • That innocent picture of you carrying your daughter on your shoulders tells a story about your health and vigor that may not be consistent with your injury claim.

  • Posting a message about your fabulous long weekend may not support your claim that you have been seriously injured.

  • The picture of you raising a glass to your recent raise may underscore how little your job has been affected by the accident – and could even draw your drinking practices into question.

While your posts may be 100 percent innocent, it is important to recognize that when you do not post, you do not give the insurance company anything to talk about.

It Is Time to Call an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney

One thing you should do to protect yourself and your claim after a car accident is to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 to consult with attorney Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, today.

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