Auto collisions can be stressful and scary, even if no one is hurt. However, many accidents lead to injuries and/or damages. If you would like to know more about what to do after an auto accident to better ensure you get a fair settlement, keep reading.
Document the Accident
Document the accident by:
- Taking photos
- Getting contact information from the other driver
- Getting insurance information from the other driver
- Getting contact information from a witness
- Make note of any cameras that may have caught the accident
It may also be a good idea to call the police after a collision. This ensures the accident is reported, and the officers can question you, the other driver, and witnesses while the accident is still fresh in everyone's minds.
Report the Accident
Regardless of who caused the accident, make sure you report it to your insurance carrier. Failure to do so can impact your ability to seek a settlement. Plus, when the insurance carrier finds out about the unreported collision, they may cancel your coverage.
If the other driver's insurance contacts you, they may push you to accept a settlement. Some even use scare tactics to get you to accept. Once you accept a settlement, you can't seek additional damages. For this reason, it's best to wait until you know the full extent of your injuries and let an attorney speak on your behalf.
Don't Discuss the Accident
Besides reporting the accident to your insurance agency, don't talk about the accident with anyone except your attorney. Anything you say may be used to disprove you by claiming you are lying about the extent of your injuries or your level of responsibility for the accident.
Don't post about the accident on any social media accounts. In fact, it may be best to disable your accounts or avoid posting anything. At the very least, make your account private to better limit what people can see.
Seek Medical Attention
To qualify for a settlement, you must mitigate your damages. This means you must take action to do everything you can to improve your condition (and/or prevent it from becoming worse). This starts with a trip to the doctor (or ER if necessary). You must also follow the doctor's instructions on how to get better. Instructions may include:
- Getting surgery
- Seeking physical therapy
- Getting mental health help
Contact an Attorney
The process to get a fair settlement can be complicated, especially if you are unfamiliar with car accidents. Therefore, you should consider hiring an attorney to fight for you. They do all the work and negotiate with the insurance carrier to get you a fair settlement. Many don't get paid until you win your settlement.
If you get into a car accident, you have the right to seek a fair settlement. While it can seem overwhelming, an auto accident attorney can help. If you would like to know more, contact an attorney today.
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