3 Things To Realize If You Want A Fair Settlement Follow A Car Accident

Law Blog

If you have been in a car accident, there are a few things that you need to realize before you even call up your insurance company if you want to guarantee that you get a fair settlement.

#1 Don't Admit Fault At The Scene

The first thing you need to make sure that you don't do is admit fault at the scene of the accident. It is human nature to apologize for things, even if you didn't do anything wrong. For example, if someone bumps into, and you reflexively say sorry. When talking with the other driver, it can be natural to ask if they are okay and to say sorry for what happened, even if you were not at fault.

If you can, try to hold back on the natural urge to say sorry to the other driver. It may seem and feel like a simple courtesy to you, but by saying sorry, the other driver can report to their insurance company that you admitted fault for the accident, which can greatly reduce your chances of getting a fair settlement. If the other driver records your conversation in any way, it can look like a clear-cut admission of fault.

#2 Be Careful When You Call Your Insurance Company

Second, be careful when you call your insurance company as well. It is important to realize that your statements are recorded when you call your insurance company. If the insurance company asks if you are hurt, don't say that you are fine. Let them know that you have gotten or are going to get evaluated by medical professionals; do not say that you are fine or okay and don't provide details of your medical condition until you have been fully assessed by a medical professional. You don't want to say that you are okay, then later come back to your insurance company with medical expenses.

Also, be careful about what you disclose about the accident. Stick to the facts of what happened, and don't attempt to guess the answer to any questions. Everything that you say will be used to determine who is at fault and your overall compensation.

#3 Gather Evidence

Your words only mean so much. If possible, try to gather as much evidence of what happened. Take pictures of the scene, your vehicle and your injuries. Make sure that you get copies of your medical records. The more evidence you can gather and present to your insurance company, the better the chance is that they are going to see the accident in the manner that you perceive it and properly award you the right level of compensation.

If you have any doubts about getting the level of compensation that you deserve, you are going to want to talk to a personal injury or car accident lawyer, or visit a site like http://www.bjhmaldenlaw.com.

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10 April 2017

Car Accident Clues

It can be hard to know what to do to protect yourself legally in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. You’re liable to be disoriented or in shock, you may be injured, and you’re surely worried about your passenger or the other driver. At least, that’s how I felt. The thing is, the things you say and do in the immediate aftermath of an accident may affect a legal case later. Depending on who’s at fault and what the laws are in your state, you may want to sue the other driver for damages, or you may find yourself being sued. My blog is designed to give you tips for a car accident lawsuit, no matter which side you find yourself on.