What To Do (And Not Do) If You Have Been Injured in a Car Collision
Sometimes its not what you do but what you shouldn’t do if you are ever involved in an auto accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to the fault of another driver, here are some “dos” and “don’ts” to keep in mind.
Call Law 911. This will get police/medical response as needed. It also will create the all-important police report which can be quite valuable down the road. The dispatcher will be asking you questions, but don’t ramble on – just answer the questions. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t speculate. There’s no harm in saying “I don’t know.”
Seek Medical Treatment. If you need medical attention, get it. It’s your body; don’t delay and don’t hope the pain goes away. Typically pain increases about six hours after the body suffers an impact. This is mainly due to swelling and muscles weaking after a traumatic event.
Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident, But Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement at That Time. Notify your insurance company that the accident has occurred; however, in doing so you should also let the insurance company know that you are not consenting to provide a recorded statement at that time, or willing to discuss the details of the accident or your injuries, until you have consulted with an attorney. You most likely will give them a recorded statement later but only after you have an attorney on board with you.
Never ever give a statement to another insurance company or agent after an accident. They are not looking out for you; they are only trying to protect the person who hit you.
Maintain Chronology and Photo Records. It is a good idea to keep records and a diary following an accident recording the details of the pain and symptoms associated with your injury, photos of injuries, the medical providers you received treatment from, any time missed from work, and any out-of-pocket expenses for co-pays and prescriptions. Also, take plenty of pictures of your damaged automobile.
Get Legal Advice. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible following a car accident. Studies and surveys show that individuals who are represented by attorneys receive 2-3 times more compensation than individuals who are unrepresented. You want someone who is aggressive, understands the system, and has the all-important experience to maximize your monetary recovery and I have been representing clients in automobile accidents since 1985.
If you or a loved one are every involved in an automobile accident, contact me right away for a free consultation!