It just as important to know what not to do after a car accident as it is to know what to do after a car accident. You don’t want to do anything that could inadvertently hurt your chances of recovering fair and equitable damages for the injuries that you suffered in a car crash.
Don’t Do These Things
As you navigate the accident scene and the days following your crash, it is important not to…
Handle the accident without the police
Regardless of how the other party feels about it, you should contact the police if you or anyone else was injured in the crash.
Admit liability
It is important never to admit liability of any kind. When talking with a police officer or insurance adjuster, stick to just the facts without inserting any opinions. It is not the parties’ responsibility to determine fault.
Just to be safe, don’t even say you’re sorry; that statement can be taken out of context as an admission of responsibility. Though your instinct might be to be polite and compassionate to others involved in your car accident, saying “I’m sorry” could definitely complicate things should another driver be found to be at fault. Apologetic words or behavior implies that you are assuming fault, and you do not want to be undeservedly blamed for the mistakes of others.
Fail to get medical care
You may think that your injuries are minor, but they may be more serious than you think. It is important to get a prompt evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment from a medical doctor as soon as possible after your accident.
Delay filing an insurance claim
When dealing with insurance companies, it is important to be timely with all paperwork. Insurance companies require that the insurance claim be filed within a specified period of time.
Believe everything you’re told
Don’t take everything the insurance claims agent might say as the last word. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than the actual losses. Auto accident victims should find out how the numbers were figured and do some research of their own.
Give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster
Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that will hurt your chances of making a fair recovery.
Accept a settlement for less than you deserve
Never take a check as a full and final payment unless it is fair compensation that will cover all the losses that were caused by the accident. Additionally, you should be very cautious about signing anything without having your attorney review it first.
How to Know What You Should Be Doing
If you have any questions about what you should—or should not—do after a car crash, please start an online chat with us now and get the information that you need to protect yourself and your recovery.
Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?
If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.