Been in a Car Accident? 4 Steps You Should Follow

When you're in a car accident, your mind can start going in a million different directions. You might not be sure about the steps you need to take, or what steps you should avoid. Unfortunately, that lack of knowledge can come back to bite you during the settlement phase. If you've been in a car accident, your next steps will influence how your case proceeds. Here are four steps that will help protect your rights as an accident victim.

Be Honest

If you've been involved in a car accident, you need to be honest from day one. Honesty begins at the scene of the accident. Be as thorough and concise as you can be with the investigating officer. Be truthful in your answers to the insurance representatives that will call to speak to you.

Above all else, be honest about your day-to-day activities following the accident. This is particularly important if you're seeking compensation for injuries you sustained in the accident. If you went outside and tried to mow the lawn, tell the truth if you're asked about. It's better to be truthful about the activities you attempted while feeling energetic, than to be caught in a lie.

Be Quiet

After the accident, you might be tempted to talk to people about the events. Don't do it. Instead, try to be as quiet as possible about the events. You never know when someone may be asking you questions to benefit the other driver. This is also important to remember when talking to the other party's insurance company. If you're required to talk to them, keep your answers short and avoid providing too much detail. Better yet. Hire an attorney and have them do the talking for you.

Be Private

If you're like most people, you probably have at least one social media account. You might even post pictures and daily updates on those accounts. Avoid doing that while your injury claims are being processed. The other party's insurance company or attorneys will be scouring through your social media accounts looking for comments, updates or photographs that they can use against you.

Be Thorough

After your accident, you need to be as thorough as possible. You don't want to leave any loose ends that could come back to hurt you. Seek medical attention after the accident. Follow through with any medical treatment that's ordered for you. Follow up with your insurance company throughout the process. Above all else, hire an attorney. Resources like Carl L. Britt, Jr. can help.


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