After a car crash, most people know to call the police if they can, get as much information from the other driver as possible and take photographs of all vehicles involved and the scene of the accident. What many people don’t know is what to avoid after the car crash. A car crash can be terrifying and emotionally upsetting. It’s difficult to think straight after you experience the sound of glass breaking, metal bending, an airbag going off and wondering about your personal safety and the safety of your passengers. What happens now? What do you need to do? What should you avoid? Who should you call? Are you injured? What about your passengers? These are excellent questions and the next important question is what should you avoid doing after a crash?
Here are several things to avoid doing after a car crash:
• Never get into an argument with anyone at the scene including the other driver.
• Never leave the scene of the crash. The law requires you remain and render aid and assistance whenever possible.
• Never forget to document the events surrounding your crash.
• Never tell anyone your version of the accident including your insurance company or the other insurance company. Say nothing. Only share information only with your eventual attorney.
• Never sign or agree to anything relating to who was at fault in the crash.
• Never admit you were at fault for the accident, even when you think you were. Allow the insurance companies and the police to determine how the crash happened.
• If anyone asks if you’re injured simply say you’re unsure. The shock of the crash released adrenaline, and while you may feel fine after the crash your condition may worsen over the next several hours or even days. Telling someone you are not injured may jeopardize your ability to seek compensation later if injuries manifest that require medical care.
• If the other person’s insurance company’s calls you never speak to the them. If they call you, it is wise to direct them to your attorney. Directing the other sides insurance company to your attorney preserves your rights. Often times the other insurance company sounds sympathetic, however their goal is to reduce any payments or even deny your claim whenever possible.
• Never rush to a settlement. Never settle your personal injury claim until you know the ramifications of accepting a settlement. Do not accept an early settlement, as once you settle your sign you cannot re-open your claim. Signing prematurely may also mean you may be required to meet additional expenses out of your pocket.
• Never forget to consult with an experienced legal advisor as soon as possible after a car crash.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others.
At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com
