Car accidents are an unfortunate part of every day life, and you never know when you or a loved one might be directly affected. Although the moments following a collision are generally chaotic, with stress and panic immediately setting in, it’s crucial to remember that the steps you take in the aftermath of an incident can have a significant impact on your future. This is why it’s of the utmost importance to know exactly what you should and shouldn’t do if you’ve been involved in an accident, especially when injuries have occurred.
The Louisville personal injury attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, understand that insurance companies often do their best to minimize their payout responsibility. Any wrong actions on your part could result in a considerable reduction in compensation or a complete denial of the claim. Because of this, it’s essential to seek legal counsel and follow the suggested dos and don’ts below.
Dos
Make sure you’re able to get the most out of your car accident settlement by:
- Seeking medical attention: Getting medical care should be your top priority. Regardless if you have visible injuries or not, it’s vital to get checked out as injuries can be internal or develop later on.
- Filing a police report: Even if the damage is minor, it’s best to have an official police report filed that documents what happened. This could be instrumental in the investigation of the case.
- Gathering evidence: If you are able, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take photos of the location where the accident took place and damage to the vehicles, get the other driver’s insurance and contact information, and talk to any witnesses that may have seen what transpired.
- Notifying your insurance company: You should inform your own insurance company of the collision right away despite it not being your fault. Give them the basic facts, and don’t feel the need to give long, drawn-out explanations.
- Hiring a personal injury lawyer: Personal injury lawyers are experienced in making sure car accident victims get the restitution they deserve to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’ts
To ensure your rights are not compromised, stay away from making mistakes such as:
- Allowing the other driver to leave: If possible, it’s best for everyone involved to stay at the scene until the police have arrived. At-fault parties have been known to give out false information or change their stories later to avoid repercussions.
- Posting to Social Media: Social media plays a large role in the lives of many people, but after an accident it’s a good idea to refrain from posting any details about the incident or uploading any pictures of yourself that the other party could use against you.
- Signing documents or accepting a settlement without consulting a lawyer: Insurance adjusters will often ask for a recorded statement, send out paperwork, and try to settle the case with a quick offer. This will usually only benefit them, and they aren’t likely to come close to offering what you actually deserve. Consult with a lawyer before giving any statements or accepting an amount, no matter how reasonable it may sound.
Contact a Louisville Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident, the Louisville car accident attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC will take the burden of dealing with insurance adjusters and paperwork off your shoulders so you can focus on recovering. Contact us at (800) 937-8443 to schedule a consultation.