No one ever expects to be in a car accident, but the unfortunate truth is that they happen all too often. If you are unlucky enough to find yourself in a car accident, it’s important to know how to handle the situation properly.
From knowing who to call to understanding the insurance claims process, here are the top legal tips you need to follow in the event of a car accident if you want to ensure the best possible outcome.
Call Your Lawyer
Even if you don’t think you need a lawyer, or you’re not sure if you can afford one, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get professional legal advice as soon as possible.
The legal matter might be more complicated than you first thought. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on what to do next and help you navigate the often complicated legal process.
Additionally, depending on the circumstances, your lawyer might be able to work on a contingency basis, which means you wouldn’t have to pay anything upfront.
So if you ever get involved in a car accident, remember that the first person you should call is a lawyer. Without proper legal representation, you could end up costing yourself a lot of money in the long run.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
If you were injured in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s always better to get checked out by a doctor.
Some injuries might not be immediately apparent but could develop into more serious problems down the road. By seeking medical treatment right away, you’ll be creating a paper trail that will be useful should you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Make sure to keep all of your medical records and receipts, as well as any documentation from your employer regarding missed workdays and wages lost.
Do Not Admit Fault
After a car accident, you might be tempted to apologize or take the blame, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
It’s important to resist this urge, as anything you say can and will be used against you later on. Even if you think the accident was partially your fault, it’s best to let your lawyer do the talking. The last thing you want is for your own words to be used against you in court.
Also, avoid discussing the accident with anyone else, as anything you say can be used as evidence. This includes the police, insurance adjusters, the other driver but also your friends and family.
You should also be careful with social media, as anything you post could be used against you.
Gather Evidence
If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, as well as any damage to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. If there are any visible injuries, make sure to take photos of those as well.
It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident happen. These witnesses can provide valuable testimony should the case go to court.
Additionally, if you have a dashcam or other video footage of the accident, make sure to save that as well. This video footage could be crucial in proving your innocence.
Be Careful With Insurance Adjusters
After a car accident, you’ll need to deal with insurance adjusters, both your own and the other driver’s. It’s important to be careful when talking to insurance adjusters, as anything you say could be used against you. Remember that the insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize the amount of money the insurance company has to payout.
So even if you’re friendly with the insurance adjuster, they could still use anything you say against you. The best course of action is to let your lawyer do the talking for you.
This way, you can be sure that everything is being handled in the best possible way.
Understand the Statute of Limitations
In most states, you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations.
If you don’t file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you could be barred from recovery. So if you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
They can help you understand the statute of limitations in your state and make sure that your case is filed promptly.
As you can see, even though car accidents are relatively common, they can still be complex legal matters so you must take the necessary precautions.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be in a much better position to properly handle a car accident and ensure that you recover the compensation you deserve.
