Top 4 Things You Shouldn't Do After An Accident
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
After experiencing an accident, it can be hard to know what to do afterwards aside from seeking help. Though you may feel like that is the only important response to the situation, there could be a lot more at stake if you don't take control of the situation immediately. After the accident, you should collect evidence in order to make a claim with your insurance. Evidence includes getting witnesses statements, taking pictures, and getting medical attention in order to prove your claim. Though there are many things you should be doing, there are also a lot you should avoid doing after an accident.Minimizing Or Exaggerating Your Injuries
It is important that you are completely honest about your injuries. This can be challenging to do after an accident since you may be unaware of just how injured you are. Some injuries feel worse than they are and you may end up exaggerating your pain. Other times you feel just fine, but actually have terrible internal injuries. If you minimize your injuries, it is unlikely they will believe that your injuries are worse than previously stated. However if you exaggerate your injuries, they may feel your claim is too unreliable. Try to be as honest as you can about the pain you feel and acknowledge that you can not know the full extent of your injuries until you can see a doctor.
Hiding Information
Whether it is from your doctor, lawyer, or your insurance company, it is never good to hide information regarding your accident. Often that information will come out eventually and that can make your entire claim unreliable. It is also important not to change your story either. What you tell your lawyer needs to be the same thing you told your doctor. If your statement seems too different from what you told someone else it will also seem unreliable even if both statements are completely true.
Not Receiving Medical Attention Or Treatment
You should always seek medical attention after an accident. Like previously mentioned, you may not be aware of your injuries. Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, you should still let a medical professional test you for more internal injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury. Not only does it hurt you physically, but it also hurts your claim as well. If an insurance company notices that you did not seek out medical attention, then they will assume that your injuries are not serious and that you do not need financial compensation.
Signing Documents Or Talking About Your Lawsuit Without Your Lawyer Present
In some cases, insurance providers or the negligent party may ask you to sign documents related to the case. However, you should never do this without your attorney present. These documents often sneak in things that could harm the success or the financial compensation of your case. With a lawyer present, they can easily spot these types of tricks and will keep you safe from harm. If you have been in an car accident recently, don't hesitate to seek legal help! Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with the insurance companies and are dedicated to getting you get the financial compensation and assistance you need. Contact us today for a free case review!