Dos And Don'ts When You File An Automobile Accident Claim

Posted on: 6 January 2023

The result of your personal injury claim can be severely altered with one decision. Learn the do's and don't for after you get into an accident to make decisions that will lead to a favorable settlement. 

Do gather evidence

After an accident, gather evidence of what happened. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the scene from multiple angles and distances. Take pictures of every car involved in the incident. 

After you take pictures, gather witness statements from everyone able to recall what happened. Unbiased third-party witnesses hold more value than passengers in your car. 

Do go to the doctor

Whether you feel injured or not, you should have a doctor check you out. You want to catch something as early as possible. Going immediately after the accident will also help connect the injury to the incident.

Do hire a car accident attorney

According to HR.org, people who hire an attorney receive 2 to 3 times as much as people who do not hire an attorney. The attorney has extensive knowledge of personal injury law and relationships with the local legal community, and they use these skills to get you the best results possible.

Don't admit fault 

Despite the facts of the case, you should never outright admit fault. Even saying "sorry" can fuel other parties to point the finger your way. Speak about the incident courteously but let the courts determine who was at fault.

Don't make a statement before calling your lawyer

You may be tempted to provide your statement to the cops or insurance company at the scene of the incident. In many cases, you won't be obligated to give your statement right then and there. Talk to your lawyer first. With the help of your lawyer, you will have a consistent statement that puts you in the best position.   

Don't take the first offer

You may receive an offer from an insurance company to compensate for the physical, emotional, and material damage you experienced as a result of the accident. In most cases, the insurance company will provide a conservative offer in the monetary interest of their own company. With the right evidence, you may be able to get significantly more with the help of your lawyer. 

After an accident, the first thing you need to do is get everyone to safety. After you know you and the other parties are safe, your first call should be to a car accident lawyer

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