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.
Taking the time to familiarize yourself with post-accident protocol can help ensure that if you ever find yourself in such a situation, you will be prepared to react in a way that offers you maximum protection. 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 provide a valuable service, helping to process claims and reaching fair settlements between those who have been in an accident. However, their primary motivation is to protect profits for their clients, the insurance companies they work for. As a result, adjusters may try to lowball claimants in order to make sure that payouts are kept as low as possible.
This can put claimants at a disadvantage if they don’t know how to negotiate effectively — otherwise they may find themselves accepting much less than what their settlement should be. 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, it is important to 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 if 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 are 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. As always, photos speak a thousand words.
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. With pictures playing such an important role in any legal filing after an accident, it’s always important to have them ready for review if need be.
4. You Can Seek Multiple Types of Compensation
After an automobile accident, it’s important to understand that you may be owed more than just physical repairs for your car. 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
After a car crash, medical treatment should be sought promptly. Not getting the care you need can lead to additional health problems, missed time at work, and increased stress. Of course, safety always comes first—if you need assistance from First Responders, make sure you receive it before worrying about anything 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.
