If you’re in a car wreck, you’ll stand a much better chance of being able to sue and get compensation from a negligent driver if you adhere to the following advice. Some of it might seem obvious, but the aftermath of a car accident is one of those times when you won’t be thinking clearly, so be sure to remember at least the following.
Don’t Admit Fault, Don’t Discuss the Accident
This is a big mistake that people make following an accident. Whatever you do, avoid rehashing the accident with the other driver. You want to avoid saying things like:
- I didn’t even see you
- I looked down for a second and…
- My brakes didn’t seem to be working
- I wasn’t paying attention
- I didn’t notice that the light changed
This isn’t being dishonest. In fact, right after an accident, it’s likely that you’re going to be confused, anyway. That confusion might make you say something that seems like it it’s true at the moment but,upon later reflection, you might realize that you actually did see the other driver and that they flew out in front of you too quickly. It’s better to hold your tongue than to try to explain why you said something that implied the accident was your fault to a jury.
File a Report and a Claim
As this article in Edmunds points out, you should always file a claim with law enforcement. In many cases, the police aren’t going to show up unless there are injuries or traffic is obstructed due to wreckage. You should still call and report the wreck, however, as you might end up in legal hot water if you don’t. If you don’t have to wait for the police, the operator will tell you, but at least you’ll have filed a report of the wreck.
File an insurance claim right away, as well. Be sure you tell the insurance company what happened to the best of your ability, but don’t admit fault. If you’re worried about not being able to get compensated or that your insurance company is going to try to pin everything on you, talk to a personal injury attorney. They can help you sue your insurance company or the other driver or, for that matter, any other entity that might be responsible for the damages.
Be careful following an accident, because what you say and do can significantly influence the ultimate outcome of the incident.
If you have been involved in a car accident, call us for a free consultation and find out if you are eligible for compensation for your pain ans suffering