Car accidents can be life-altering events, often leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. In 2022 alone, a total of 5,930,496 million car accidents occurred in the U.S., highlighting just how common these incidents are. With so many accidents happening, knowing how to secure fair compensation is crucial for anyone who finds themselves in this unfortunate situation. (1)
This guide will walk you through the dos and don’ts of filing a car accident claim and getting compensation after a car accident.
The Dos:
Do Consult a Doctor Immediately
Your health is the most critical aspect after an accident. Even if you feel that your injuries are not serious, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Internal bleeding or whiplash may not be caught right away. Studies show that some symptoms of whiplash may either show immediately after the accident or take at least 12 hours to a full day to appear. (2)
Prompt medical attention does two things: it attends to your well-being and creates a medical record that may be important to your claim for compensation.
Do Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the legal complexities of car accident claims by yourself can be challenging, if not almost impossible. So, get yourself a seasoned car accident lawyer. Preferably, have someone who is experienced in handling car accident cases in your locality. For instance, a San Diego car accident lawyer can provide invaluable local expertise and protect your rights, provided your accident has happened in California.
Do Document the Car Accident
Documentation is vital in building up any case. So, if you can, take a photograph of the accident scene, the injuries you suffered from the car accident, the state of the road, and the damaged vehicles. They could act as great visual records when reconstructing the event later.
Don’t forget to gather contact information from witnesses, too. Their accounts can provide crucial support for your version of events.
Do Report the Accident to the Police
You should always call the police after an accident. Even if it seems minor, a police report provides an official record of the incident, and such can greatly bolster your claim from a car accident. As a matter of fact, most insurance companies need a police report to process claims.
A police report generally contains information such as the time and date the accident occurred and where it took place, statements of the people involved in the accident, and statements from any eyewitnesses present at the scene. Such official documentation is a strong device in your quest for fair compensation for the car accident.
Do Call Your Insurance Company
Notify your car accident insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Many policies have specific timeframes for reporting accidents, and failing to do so could jeopardize your claim. Be honest and provide all the necessary details, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident.
The Don’ts:
Don’t Admit Fault
Even if you think you might be partially responsible for the accident, don’t admit fault to anyone. Fault determination in car accidents is complex and often involves factors you may not be aware of. Admitting fault can severely damage your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Don’t Speak With the Other Party’s Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurance company may call you for information. Such conversations are best avoided at all costs. They are in no way concerned with the interests of your case, and they may try to reduce their liability with whatever you say. Instead, have all communications through your attorney or your insurance company.
Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media
Today, there are about 300.86 million social media users in the United States. Thus, it’s no surprise that many people involved in car accidents could be tempted to share their updates or stories on social media as there’s a natural desire to connect with others and seek support. (3)
However, doing so can be detrimental to your case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often comb through social media for evidence they can use to dispute your claims. A seemingly innocuous post regarding your recovery or any day-to-day activities could be manipulated to destroy your claim.
Don’t Sign Anything Until You Have Talked to a Lawyer
Insurance companies may push you to sign papers or to accept your car accident settlement as soon as possible. Don’t give in to that pressure. Never sign anything pertaining to your accident claim without first having a car accident attorney look at it. Once you have signed, it can be exceedingly hard or impossible to alter the terms or to seek more money.
Don’t Drive While Injured
Driving while injured can be dangerous for you and others on the road. It can also potentially worsen your injuries and complicate your recovery. What’s more, if you’re seen driving when you’ve claimed to be seriously injured, it could damage your credibility and weaken your case.
Parting Thoughts
Getting compensation after a car accident can be a complex and often frustrating process. However, by understanding the dos and don’ts, you can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal advice.
With the right approach and guidance, you can overcome the challenges of a car accident and move forward with confidence.
References:
- “Car Accident Statistics For 2024”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/car-accident-statistics/
- “Whiplash (Neck Strain)”, Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11982-whiplash
- “Number of social media users in the United States from 2020 to 2029”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/278409/number-of-social-network-users-in-the-united-states/
