Useful Tips To Help You Deal With A Road Accident The Right Way
No one ever expects to be in a road accident, but the unfortunate reality is that they do happen. And when they do, it may leave you feeling shaken up, overwhelmed, and not sure what to do next. Therefore, it is essential to know how to react to minimize the damage and ensure your safety. To help you out, here are six essential tips you must follow if you are dealing with an aftermath of a road accident:
Call Your Lawyer
Even though it might not be the first thing on your mind after an accident, your priority should be to call your lawyer. Car accidents can be very complicated, and everything you say or do after the accident can have a serious effect on your case.
That’s why you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the state in which you live, you might have a limited time to file a claim, so it is important not to delay. For instance, the statute of limitation in San Antonio is 2 years, so if you don’t file a claim within that time frame, you will likely be barred from doing so.
However, a good San Antonio car accident injury attorney will be familiar with the law and can make sure that your claim is filed promptly. And if needed, they can also request an extension.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think that you were seriously injured. Often, the full extent of an injury is not immediately apparent. For instance, even though you might not feel pain for hours or even days after the accident, you could still have suffered a serious injury, such as a concussion.
Additionally, some injuries, such as whiplash, might not show up on an x-ray or MRI. That’s why it is important to be examined by a doctor as soon as possible after the accident and track your symptoms over time. Additionally, if you wait too long to seek medical attention, the insurance company might try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Gather Evidence
If you are able, it is important to try to gather evidence at the accident scene. This can help prove what happened and who was at fault. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. This can be important in corroborating your version of events.
Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, as well as the surrounding area. Be sure to get a close-up of any skid marks, as well as any debris from the accident. If there are any traffic cameras in the area or you have a dashcam, make sure to save the footage. When filing a police report, get a copy of it for your records. All of this evidence can be extremely helpful in building your case and getting the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Admit Fault
After the accident, the other driver might try to get you to admit fault. They might do this by apologizing or telling you that it was their fault. It is important not to fall for this trap. Even if you think that the accident was your fault, do not say so. And if the other driver does admit fault, be sure to get it in writing or have them sign a statement to that effect.
Also, be especially careful with everything you say to the other driver’s insurance company. Even if you are polite and friendly, anything you say can be used against you in an attempt to minimize or deny your claim. It is, therefore, best to leave the talking to your lawyer.
Do Not Sign Any Papers or Give a Recorded Statement
The other driver’s insurance company might contact you and try to get you to sign a release or waiver. However, it is important not to sign any papers without first consulting with your lawyer. Once you sign a release, you might be giving up your right to seek further compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially thought.
You might also be asked to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Again, it is important not to do this without first speaking with your attorney. The insurance adjuster will likely try to trip you up and get you to say something that can be used against you later on.
Even though being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, it is important to try to remain calm and take the necessary steps to protect your rights. By following these tips, you will be in a much better position to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Just be sure to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to ensure that you do not inadvertently do anything that could jeopardize your claim and you will be well on your way to recovery.
