As an accident attorney in Orange County, we hope that whatever you do after an accident, your first priority is to seek treatment. Any reputable accident lawyer will tell you that your health comes first. However, we believe that there are crucial do’s and don’ts after a car accident. These can help your car accident attorney with your claim and obtaining an adequate settlement. We highly suggest that anyone who has been in an accident, contact a car accident lawyer, even to just discuss the case. Consultations with an auto accident attorney are always free. Never feel like you have to do this on your own. We are here to help you with your case so you can focus solely on your recovery.
Accident Attorney | What Not To Do After An Accident
Though we will go over what to do after an accident, as an accident attorney, we want people to be aware of some things that you should not do after an accident.
Don’t Leave the Scene of the Accident
Unless you have been seriously injured in the accident, leaving the scene before speaking with authorities can get you in trouble. This is especially true if the accident resulted in severe injuries or death. There is an exception if you must leave the scene of the accident. That is only if you do not have a cell phone and you need to call the police out to the scene. After you make the call, you have a duty to return to the scene of the accident as soon as possible. This is to make sure that everyone is safe and to give your statement to the authorities.
Car Accident Attorney | Don’t Admit Fault
One of the most important things is to not admit fault. to anyone, at any time. Describe the facts of the accident and what happened, but do not admit that any part of the accident was your fault. Fault will be determined by the responding officer and then later by the insurance adjuster. by admitting any kind of fault, or even making statements such as, “I should have payed more attention,” you may be taking responsibility for the accident. Even if the accident was not your fault. We know that there is always a bit of regret after an accident, but try not to make statements that look as though you may be at-fault. That will guarantee that you will not receive a settlement for your injuries or any damages caused in the accident.
Car Accident Lawyer | Don’t Discuss Your Accident on Social Media
We always urge our clients to do their best to stay off social media while their claim is still open. We prefer that you do not post about your accident or the details of the accident. the reason being, it can cost you your case. Ask your friends not to post about your accident as well. Insurance adjusters will do anything in order to not pay you the settlement you deserve. This includes looking at your social media and the social media of friends and family. They will try to use anything that has been posted against you.
Auto Accident Attorney | Don’t Wait to See a Doctor
The sooner you are able to see a doctor for your injuries, the better. Many symptoms of injuries can take days to appear after your accident. Even if you think that your injuries aren’t serious, you should still get yourself checked by a medical professional. Mild headaches or muscle pain need to be looked at. They could be underlying symptoms of something more serious.
What to Do After an Accident
Now that you know what not to do after an accident, we wanted to go over some things that you should do after your accident. Even as careful drivers, accidents happen.
Assess the Situation
After the accident, immediately inspect yourself and those involved to see if anyone suffered from any injuries. If so, contact 911 immediately in order to get an ambulance and police to the scene in a timely manner. Even if no one is injured, contact the police if there is significant damage or someone becomes confrontational. Calling the police will assure that there is a report that is filed that will determine fault. in more populated areas the police may not respond to minor accidents. If this happens, you will be responsible for filing your own report with the police.
Document the Crash
Any documentation that you can gather after the accident, the better. Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Insurance, phone numbers, etc. If they refuse, take a picture of them while you are photographing the damage done to the cars. If you can, get information from any witnesses to the accident as well. Names, phone numbers, perhaps a brief statement of what they saw. This will be especially important if a police officer is not able to make it to the scene of the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention after your accident is crucial to your claim. Not only will it prove to the insurance adjusters that you were injured, but that you take your injuries seriously. Document your visits to the doctor and make sure that you complete any physical therapy or medications they prescribe you. This will help your case tremendously.
We know that being in an accident is extremely stressful. Add on any injuries you sustain in your accident. That is why we are here to help. an accident lawyer at Silverthorne Attorneys is here to help you during this difficult time. Our main goal is to work diligently for you so that you get the settlement you deserve. So your sole focus can be on healing from your injuries.
If you are suffering from injuries due to an accident, contact us today. Consultations with a car accident lawyer in our office are free!
