Car accidents are more common than ever today. The number of people injured in such accidents runs in thousands every year. Yet the worst thing about them is that most of the victims do not know what they should do after the mishaps occur. Of course, you would not expect to be in your senses after encountering an accident but every action you take counts. Doing some things and not doing others can, in fact, increase your chances of getting compensation under personal injury law. Here is a list of dos and don’ts that you should follow after getting injured in a car accident.
Contents
Do seek medical attention
Perhaps the most important thing to do after an accident is to get immediate medical attention. While doing so can save a life in case of fatal injuries, you should not ignore even the minor ones. There may still be internal injuries that are worse than you expect. Beyond the treatment factor, medical aid is essential to get you the claim. The later you get diagnosed, the more difficult it becomes to prove your injury. Medical documentation can improve your chances of getting a compensation claim to a significant extent.
Do report the accident to the police
Reporting the accident to the police is as important as getting medical assistance. This is vital because they will document the accident, which serves as tangible evidence for a compensation case. Further, they will record all the details that your personal injury lawyer will later need while representing your case. The police will also keep track of the witnesses and investigate to find the culprit. Intervention by the police is mandatory in most of the cases, particularly in the ones involving major injuries.
Do get information about the responsible party
While the police will do a major part of the job, you should still gather as much information about the responsible driver as you can. Take a note of the make, model and license number of the car. Get personal details including the name, address and telephone number of the driver. If involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, do note the details about the business that owns it. Besides these facts, collect information about the witnesses and take photographs of the accident spot as well.
Don’t accept a settlement without a legal representative
Insurance companies often try to take victims for a ride. They will either want to cut down your claim or not give it at all. Moreover, they have big legal teams that make all efforts to prove that the accident was a victim’s fault. You should make sure that you have a qualified professional to get you the claim you deserve. Look for car accident lawyers with a passion for justice because they will go the extra mile to get a favorable verdict for you. At the same time, prioritize experience and a good track record too.
Don’t agree to a recorded statement without your lawyer
Besides having a lawyer to represent your case, you will also need their assistance while giving statement to the insurance company. The worst part is that they can use the things you say against you. One wrong statement you give can sabotage your chances to get a rightful claim. So you should not agree to any statement being recorded by the insurance company without consulting a legal professional. With the skills and experience they have in the personal law domain, they can guide you about a statement that will work in your favor.
Don’t move the vehicle from the accident spot
One thing that you should not do after the accident is to move your vehicle from the spot. Avoiding this mistake is critical. Remember not to do it until the police have recorded all the details and collected all the evidence of the accident. Further, do not leave the accident spot except for getting medical aid if you need it. If you try to move the vehicle, there are chances that you may tamper with the evidence unintentionally. This can have an adverse impact on your chances of getting a verdict in your favor.
Sticking to these do’s and don’ts can make all the difference when it comes to getting the compensation claim you deserve. The most important tip is not to panic because you will be able to handle the situation better with clear thinking and cool mind. Even if the responsible driver tries to hit and run, try to record as much information as you can. After all, the one who is guilty should be punished and the victim should be compensated at the end of the day.
