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Car accidents invoke a lot of emotions, and it is hard to make logical decisions immediately after. It is essential to collect your thoughts so you do not make mistakes that can affect your ability to recover. Even if you elect not to hire an attorney to assist with settlements, there are several things you should never do after an accident.
Do Not Admit Fault
Following a crash, the police and others will want to interview you to find out what happened. While you are being questioned, it is essential to inform them of the facts without taking the blame. It is common for you to believe that you could have done things differently, but you do not want to tell others. Immediately following the accident, it is hard to determine precisely what happened, and frequently, people will believe they played a part when they were not to blame. A perfect example of this is a rear-ended accident at a traffic light. It could have been the driver in front stopping too quickly, or it could be the person in the back following too closely. Settlements are often determined based on a percentage of fault, so you could end up costing yourself financially.
Do Not Feel Bad for Asking for Evidence
You are entitled to gather as much evidence and information regarding the accident you were involved in. Take pictures of the vehicles, the surroundings, and documentation presented (such as insurance cards). Police will want to have the scene cleared as quickly as possible, so this should be done as soon as you safely can. You will also want to gather the names and information of witnesses, first responders, and all copies of the reports made. Many feel it easiest to create a journal monitoring any injuries and how they affect your life.
Do Not Agree to the First Settlement
Insurance companies work to take care of claims as fast as possible. They will often create a quick settlement that looks good for quick cash. However, the first offer generally will short-change you because they are hoping you will not want to look at their profit margin. Remember that insurance agents are businesses too. Unfortunately, once you sign the agreement, there is no way to change the amount you receive. This becomes problematic if your injuries fail to appear for a few days or months. Talk to your medical professional first and consult with a lawyer before agreeing to any payout or documentation from an insurance company (including medical releases).
Resist the Urge to Boast on Social Media
It is a normal reaction to want to talk about your accident and the claim on social media to your friends and family. However, insurance companies monitor public forums to assist in making a case against people filing claims. They will look for your photos to be posted, commentary regarding the accident, or photographs of the injuries. They want to find anything that might dispute your claims or weaken your case. Remember, they are not there to help you, but rather help their company save money. It is common for agents to twist reality based on evidence they gather from any source. A very simple question from your friends asking how you are feeling could be turned on you if you claim you are feeling better but try to show medical documentation stating you still need treatment. Pain and suffering are factored into your settlement, and you want to make sure you are not lying about the severity of your injuries. Therefore, it is best just to stay silent and not post about anything in a location that others can read. Many lawyers suggest completely going private or quiet on social media until the settlement case is closed.
Do Not Take the Claim on your Own
It is strongly recommended to consult with an attorney immediately after an accident occurs. They offer free consultations and can assist you through the entire process. However, it would be best if you never attempt to take on a settlement claim yourself. Insurance agents are notorious for telling people that lawyers are not needed because they lose more money when one is involved. Studies back up this claim after finding that people who have legal aiding them through the entire process will receive nearly four times more money than those who attempt to tackle the claim themselves. A car accident lawyer in Lawrenceville GA, is familiar with the local laws and regulations and understanding the tactics used by insurance companies to lowball offers. You want to receive enough money to cover the damages to your vehicle and your injuries, but you will also want to make sure that you cover any costs incurred through loss of work. The only setback to hiring an attorney is that it often makes the process take longer, but it is worth the effort if you receive more money in the end. Attorneys are your advocate, but they are also there to help you heal while they manage the hassle of coming to a fair settlement.
Again, hiring a lawyer is entirely up to you. There are advantages and disadvantages to consulting with an attorney. However, the benefits almost always outweigh the downsides. Regardless of what you decide, it is best to at least consult with legal counsel to determine which is best for your scenario. The attorneys at Cain Injury Law are highly trained to handle complex cases or simple fender benders. You can best assist them by not doing any of the items mentioned above and allow them to work with authorities for the best outcome.
