With a host of hazards on the roads these days, it is a real possibility that you may suffer a car crash sooner or later. Although this is an unfortunate reality, you can prepare in advance by informing yourself about best practices in the event of an accident.
It’s not only about what you do following an accident, but what you don’t do as well. Sidestepping certain actions can help your case, especially if you decide to take your case to court due to injuries and the other driver’s negligence.
Here are some actions to avoid after an accident:
1. Do not try to be a hero
Some people who suffer an injury after a car crash try to “tough it out” or pretend the injury is not as serious as it actually is. There are various reasons for this, but a common one is not wanting to make things seem more serious than they are, or trying to be stoic and act as if nothing is wrong to avoid causing a hassle or fuss. This is a serious mistake. You should always seek prompt medical attention after a car crash, even if your injuries seem relatively minor. Certain injuries that frequently occur in car accidents, such as traumatic brain injury, can have a onset, showing up days or even weeks after the accident.
2. Do not talk to another driver’s insurance company
Although you need to report the car accident to your own insurance company, you should not talk to the other driver’s insurance company after an accident. Insurance companies will look out for their own best interests, not yours. Talking to or trying to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company can seriously damage your chances for reaching a fair settlement when the other driver was at fault. You may have the right to financially recover for your own injuries, so you should not let the other insurance company talk you into a settlement.
3. Do not wait to seek legal advice
A common mistake many car accident victims make is waiting too long before seeking legal advice. Even if you think you may not have a case, you should seek legal advice right away to evaluate your situation. Most injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation. If you do have a case, the sooner an attorney can begin work on it, the better your chances are for recovering a fair amount of compensation.