How to Avoid Mistakes After Getting in an Accident
If you’ve gotten in a bad car accident, it can be hard to keep your head on straight. Your mind may be overwhelmed, and your body might ache with soreness. However, you still need to focus in the moments after the wreck. Hop out of your car, make sure everyone is fine, and then get the paperwork done. If not, you can be in for a miserable legal battle over your financial responsibility.
Keep Records from the Start
Keeping a record of what happened right after it occurred (in full detail) can help you secure an alibi before any assumptions are made. Call the police and relay what happened, then fill out the necessary reports that they ask of you. Don’t worry about what the other person involved in the accident writes down. Just focus on you.
Failure to sign any piece of paper can mean that you forfeit your right to complain about the conflict. According to WKW, you will be held liable for some of the accident, which can be a devastating cost to your savings.
Tread Carefully with Insurance Companies
Once you have called the cops, you need to then talk with your insurance provider. This may prove one of the more difficult parts of your after-accident responsibilities, but it also can be one of the most important. Be truthful with your insurance company, but defend yourself.
According to Rogers Beltran, insurance companies would rather pay their attorneys than you. If you can be held responsible for any part of the accident, they may try to pin the cost to you. Filling out reports can alleviate their points, and video evidence acquired by police cameras or highway recordings can prove you were not to blame for the wreck. If you are able to get your insurance to cover it, take time to celebrate!
Get Medical Help
Next, make sure to take care of yourself. While paying off your car and talking with the police is important, you should make sure you didn’t suffer any intense medical consequences because of the crash. According to Pinder Plotkin LLC, even fender-benders, while not inherently dangerous, can create concussions that should be treated delicately.
Whether or not you have insurance, you should seek medical help soon. Check into a hospital immediately if anyone suffered painful injuries. It’s better to do it now than when your wounds are aggravated.
You may not be thinking completely clearly, but remembering these two steps can reduce the stress you feel after an accident. Make your life easier, and protect your rights.
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