What should I do in the aftermath of a car accident?

vehicle with deployed air bag

When you are involved in a car crash due to another driver’s negligent actions, it’s imperative to understand your rights. Unfortunately, many are unaware of how to proceed in the aftermath of a car accident which can impact the compensation they are entitled to. As such, the following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why it’s imperative to connect with motor vehicle accident attorneys to help you through this complex process.

What steps must I take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident?

Though you may know that you must call the police and exchange insurance information after you are struck by another driver, do you know what other precautions you must take? One of the most important things you should keep in mind when at the scene of the accident is to avoid apologizing to the other driver. Even when it’s not the driver’s fault, they may feel inclined to apologize. However, this can be seen as an admission of guilt and held against you. As such, you should not apologize to the other driver; instead, you may want to ask if they are okay.

Additionally, you should take photos and videos of the entire accident scene, not just the damage to your vehicle. This includes capturing road conditions, any tire marks on the ground, damage to surrounding property, the inside of the other driver’s vehicle, and any injuries you sustained because of the collision.

What should I do in the days following a crash?

The days and weeks following a car crash are among the most important to recover compensation. It’s imperative to understand the steps you must take during these times if you plan on filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver.

Generally, one of the most important things you can do during this time is to avoid social media. The negligent party and their insurance company will likely scour your online presence to find anything they could potentially use against you. As such, you should not post any photos or videos, as they may claim the picture of you smiling with friends shows that the injuries you sustained have not negatively impacted your life. Additionally, you should not comment on any legal matters online.

Another thing you should do in the days after a car accident is to follow all orders from your doctor. This includes taking time off work and abstaining from physical activity. Additionally, you should continue any treatment plans. Failure to do so can be held against you, as the defense will claim you did not sustain serious harm since you chose to discontinue treatment

As you can see, there are a number of things that can impact the outcome of your claim. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from Friedman Schuman Layser to connect with us today to learn how we can help you through these challenging matters.

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