In the aftermath of a car accident, it can be hard to know everything you should and should not do. One thing you should not do is give a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company after a car wreck. The insurance company is interested in protecting its bottom line and not having liability assigned to its policyholder. Any verbal or written statements you make could be misinterpreted or used against you later.
One of the things you should do is consider hiring a personal injury law firm to represent you as you pursue the at-fault driver and his insurance company for financial compensation. A lawyer can ensure your case is properly investigated, your evidence file proves the at-fault driver’s negligence, and your recoverable damages are accurately assessed.
Let a Personal Injury Lawyer Handle All Case-Related Communication
After a car accident, you do not have to communicate with the at-fault party’s insurer. Your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company that your case requires. This includes:
- Reporting the accident
- Obtaining required forms
- Submitting your evidence file
- Negotiating a fair settlement
Your personal injury lawyer will communicate with the appropriate law enforcement office to obtain a copy of your crash report and possibly interview the investigating officer. They will also communicate with and interview any available witnesses, including accident witnesses and industry and medical expert witnesses, as needed.
Other Actions You Should Avoid After an Accident
The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be a painful and confusing time. The days and weeks that follow can also be filled with anxiety. That can make knowing what you should do as important as knowing what you should not do.
Some things you should avoid in the aftermath of a car accident include:
- Posting pictures, comments, and reels on social media accounts and apps
- Avoiding or delaying getting medical attention even if you do not feel hurt
- Taking too long to seek compensation, which could mean an expired statute of limitations
- Signing any legal or insurance forms without consulting an attorney of your own
You should also avoid the temptation to accept the first settlement offer presented to you. Instead, wait for your attorney to review your case. They will assign an appropriate value to your case and explain your entire range of compensation options.
What You Should Do After a Car Wreck
There are certain actions you should take after a car wreck to ensure you have a strong case for financial recovery. Some of the actions you should take include the following:
- Insist on filing a police report even if the at-fault driver asks you not to or offers to pay your expenses
- Exchange required information with the police officer who arrives at the scene and the at-fault driver
- Exchange contact information with accident witnesses if your injuries permit you to do so
- Concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery while your lawyer builds your case
You should also contact a local personal injury lawyer in your area sooner rather than later. With a free consultation, you can review the merits of your case and learn more about the financial recovery process.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Avoid the Temptation of a Speedy Settlement Offer
A car accident is costly from the moment it happens, making accepting a speedy settlement offer tempting. An offer that comes too soon, though, can be seriously flawed. This can happen because the comprehensive costs of the accident cannot be known too early.
It takes time to understand the financial impact of the accident and navigate the back-and-forth negotiation process. Your lawyer will help you assess your damages and ensure your case is not undervalued or overlooked.
Make Sure Your Recoverable Damages Are Accurately Assessed
On your own, it can be easier than you think to overlook the compensation you are entitled to recover. For instance, your medical expenses could include easy-to-overlook prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
In addition to medical bills, you can recover:
- Past and future lost wages
- Assistive medical devices
- Treatment-related travel expenses
- Property damage or destruction
- Diminished property value
- Physical disability
- Physical disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your lawyer will ensure your case is accurately valued and includes every expense — big or small — caused by the at-fault driver’s negligence.
Contact Our Case Review Team
If you or someone you love was involved in a car wreck, you should not give a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company or do anything that puts your right to financial recovery in jeopardy. Instead, get a free review of your car accident case and learn more about how our legal team will help you build your case.
Contact one of our Bader Law Injury Lawyers team members to get your free case review today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
