According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), car accidents occur every minute of the day. That’s right. Every sixty seconds, a car accident occurs.
These stats are alarming. Not only do accidents occur often, but they happen quickly. In the blink of an eye your day, life, could be drastically changed.
It is important to calm down in the moments immediately after an accident. After you have determined that everyone is okay and out of harm's way, take the time to make concise important decisions.
The choices you make after being involved in a car accident lay the foundation for your case.
Call the police.
Immediately after an accident, your adrenaline is pumping. Things may seem to be moving at a rapid rate, but it is important to calm down and make smart decisions.
One of the most important decisions you make after an accident is calling the police. Sometimes, the other driver may request to handle matters privately. This is never a good idea.
Call the police and seek legal representation. Attorneys can help you navigate the process and properly calculate your potential damages.
Immediately seek medical care.
The second most important thing to do after calling the police is to seek medical attention.
You want to document your injuries. It is important to have a paper trail to support your claim of damages.
Insurance companies have an eye for spotting delays in treatment. Make sure to seek medical attention and follow up with treatment. It is important to continue treatment until your doctor releases you from it.
Do not admit fault.
The determination of fault is not a one-size-fits-all matter. It is a task that involves multiple entities.
Law enforcement will gather information at the scene of an accident to prepare a police report. Furthermore, insurance adjusters oversee accident investigations to determine fault. In the event that your case goes to trial, the courts will determine fault.
There are multiple factors that are considered when determining the fault of an accident. It is imperative that you do not admit fault. Refrain from phrases such as “I’m sorry”, “I apologize”, and “I wasn’t”. The bottom line, never admit fault. Let your lawyer handle these issues.
Refrain from posting on social media about your accident.
It has almost become second nature to document our daily lives on social media. We love to stay constantly connected by sharing family updates, accomplishments, memories, photos, events, and even news links with our family and friends.
The one absolute time that you should refrain from engaging in these activities is after being involved in an accident. Do not post pictures, details, or information regarding your injuries and subsequent treatment.
Insurance companies hire investigators to help them strengthen their cases. Sometimes your social media posts can be used as grounds to deny damages. Be mindful of your activities on and off the net.
Be mindful of what you tell insurance companies.
The at-fault party’s insurance provider may contact you. As friendly as they may seem, it is important to remember that they are not on your side. If they request for a recorded statement, DECLINE to participate.
Your lawyer is trained to handle insurance companies. It is best to let them do so in these circumstances.
If you have been involved in a car accident and need legal representation. Contact our law offices at (337) 222-3526. We are here to help you.