If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s easy to get flustered and make simple mistakes that could undermine your case or reduce your settlement. The best way to prevent this is to educate yourself on how car accident claims work and what common mishaps to avoid. That way, you’ll be adequately prepared if you ever find yourself in a car accident.
Here are five things to remember after a car wreck:
1) Don’t Apologize
It’s human nature to express remorse and appear apologetic after an accident, even if it wasn’t your fault. However, apologizing or admitting fault is unwise and detrimental to your case. When talking to the other party, treat your conversation as if it’s being recorded. Many drivers will grab their smartphones and start recording voice and video after exiting their vehicles. You may be disoriented and not have the full facts of the accident. Therefore, it’s essential not to admit guilt as it can and will be used against you.
2) Go to the Doctor as Soon as Possible
If you’re injured, it’s essential to receive adequate medical treatment and to attend your appointments frequently. Don’t wait for weeks before seeing a doctor. You’ll unlikely receive a large enough injury award if you have a spotty medical record. Not only does delaying medical appointments make it more challenging to establish a consistent record, but you may also make your injuries worse.
3) Be Careful What You Sign
Signatures are legally binding. If you receive paperwork from an insurance agent or attorney requiring a signature, read it thoroughly and make sure you understand everything it says. Check with your car accident attorney before signing your name to anything.
4) Use Caution When Talking to Insurers
The auto insurance adjuster may sound friendly when you talk to them on the phone, but their job is to minimize their company’s expenses, not look out for your best interests. What you say to them on the phone can directly impact your car accident settlement, often for the worse.
You don’t have to talk directly to any insurance adjuster if you don’t want to. Let your auto accident lawyer serve as your intermediary. At the very least, make sure they’re present during those calls.
5) Watch Your Behavior on Social Media
It’s now common to share nearly everything that happens to us on our social media profiles. You may be tempted to discuss your car accident or even rant about your injuries or the damage to your vehicle. A better strategy is to avoid posting about your case entirely. That’s because revealing details about your claim could sabotage your settlement.
Depending on the value of your claim, insurers may keep tabs on your online activity, looking for things you say or pictures you post that they could use against you. It’s safe to assume an insurance provider or attorney representing the other party is following your account. Therefore, keep conversations about your claim off social media and between you and your lawyer.
When You Should Talk to an Auto Accident Law Firm
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important that you call an accident attorney in your area for legal guidance and support. You’re not legally required to retain a lawyer, but discussing your case with one before proceeding with your claim is always a good idea.
If you’re located within the Cincinnati, Ohio area, the law offices of Clements, Taylor, Butkovich, & Cohen, LPA, Co., can help you stand up for your rights and achieve a fair settlement for your injuries and suffering. Contact us today at 513.721.6500 or schedule a consultation using our online form.