Things You Should Never Do After A Car Accident
Posted on June 27, 2022 in Motor Vehicle Accidents
You may already be aware of the procedure involved with making an insurance claim after a motor vehicle accident. However, there are common mistakes some people make that can result in their receiving a lower settlement than they deserve. To ensure that you get your due compensation, make sure never to do these things after being in a car accident.
Neglecting to Exchange Information
Regardless of who was at fault or if it is unclear, you should always remember to exchange contact information with the other involved party or parties. This includes the contact number of their insurance company and policy numbers. More often than not, the involved party will not have enough money to compensate you outright, and all monetary settlements will be handled by the respective insurance companies.
Not Calling the Police
You may think that if no one is injured, there’s no need to call the police. However, it is the responsibility of the police to determine who is at fault, speak to witnesses, observe road conditions, and report the accident. On top of that, you never know if you may have sustained a delayed injury with symptoms that only show up days later.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries
If you have sustained seemingly minor injuries, you may see no need to seek medical attention, but it is always wise to get a doctor’s report on your injuries no matter what. If you allow a period of time to elapse before doing so, the insurance company can try to deny that the accident was the cause of your injuries. Injuries that seem mild at first can also develop into a serious injury, and getting it documented is in your best interests.
Not Hiring an Attorney
After a car accident, the insurance company of the other party will typically be in touch. Oftentimes, they will try to get you to agree to a low settlement amount, and without the guidance of an attorney, individuals may feel pressured into accepting a lower amount than they rightly deserve. To this end, you should try not to speak to the insurance company without an attorney’s advice, as anything you say can be misinterpreted and used against you.
As much as possible, try to avoid communicating with the other involved party directly. Anything you say can be misconstrued to establish fault, such as saying “I’m sorry” for the injuries they have sustained in a general sense.
Come to Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, P.C., for Representation in Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case
After being involved in an auto accident, Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, P.C. can provide the legal representation you need. We are committed to going all the way for our clients, and this includes engaging expert witnesses where necessary as well as gathering evidence to conduct a thorough investigation of your case. If you are unsure what the best legal route for your case is, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. You can drop us a call at (212) 847-5007 in New York or (631) 864-2429 in Long Island to get started today.