4 Things Not To Do Following An Accident
If you are involved in an accident that has resulted in personal injuries, there is a long list of things you need to do. Some items on your list, like seeking medical treatment, restoring your health, and other things like hiring a personal injury attorney, ensure your compensation. But there is also a list of things your injury lawyer will advise you to refrain from following your accident. These are things that could compromise your personal injury lawsuit.
1. Do Not Leave The Scene Of The Accident
If you have an accident, pull over to the side of the road if possible. Pulling over will help avoid additional collisions. Whatever you do, do not leave the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene in some states is illegal and will result in additional charges against you even if you were not at fault in the accident.
It does not matter if you do not have your driver's license on you or do not have insurance. Those are issues that you can iron out at a later date. Stop and dial 911.
2. Do Not Admit Fault
It is often hard to discern precisely how an accident happens, especially when you are one of the drivers involved. While onlookers or witnesses view all aspects of the accident, you only see it from your point of view.
The other side may later use anything you say following the accident in a lawsuit. Do not admit fault or even apologize for what took place. Even something as simple as apologizing could be seen as an admission of guilt. When speaking to the officers at the scene, report what you think took place without additional embellishments.
3. Do Not Post On Social Media
In this day and time, everyone lives on social media. Everything that happens in life is shared. Your accident is something you do not want to share. Do not post pictures, injuries, comments, or frustrations following the accidents on social media.
Your social media account is one of the first places the other party's attorney will look for information. The attorney will use seemingly innocent information you post and turn it into something else.
4. Do Not Speak To The Other Party Or Their Insurance Company
Sometimes the other party may reach out to resolve your claim without involving their insurance company. You want to avoid negotiating with them, their attorneys, or their insurance company.
Allow your personal injury law firm to handle this type of communication. Your personal injury attorney will know what to say, what to share, and how to respond to their inquiries.
For more information, visit a local firm like Andy Van Le & Associates, PC Law Center.
Share
