The number of people that you may have to talk to after an accident can be exhausting. Your claim is a top priority, and everyone you discuss your crash with seems nice, but how do you know who’s really looking out for your best interests? More importantly, how do you know who the people are to avoid? Our lawyers recommend the three people you should talk to after an accident, the two to avoid, and one bonus person that can make all the difference
DO talk to your insurance company
This is someone who you need to talk to – fast! You are required to report car accidents to your insurance company and probably have a timeframe during which you need to make your report. Stick to the facts and get the ball rolling on your claim but keep it short and to the point.
DO talk to the police
It’s always a good idea to call the police after a crash, even if your accident is small. Calling the police is the key to obtaining the all-important police report that many insurance companies require and may help prove negligence in a car accident claim. Also, getting an officer at the scene can help you avoid one of the people whom we’ll later reveal that you shouldn’t speak to.
DO talk to a doctor
This is one of the steps that people tend to skip, especially if they feel “OK.” The truth is that the shock of an accident can hide some serious injuries. Also, many crash-related injuries start off small and become severe over time. Don’t cut corners with your health. Not only will immediately seeing a doctor prevent a lot of future pain, but it will also connect your injuries to the accident, which is the key to getting medical bills covered down the road.
DON’T talk to the other driver
No, we don’t mean completely ignore them. In fact, the first thing you should do after a wreck is make sure that everyone is physically OK. Other than that, you should not talk to the other driver. Why? It is very easy to say something that can be used against you at a later date. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be seen as admitting fault.
Remember, even if an accident looks like it’s your fault, no one can determine the cause until after a full investigation. Also, this is when a police officer can be valuable as a third party whom you can use to share the required information between you and the other driver while talking to them as little as possible.
DON’T talk to the other insurance company!
This is one of the most important tips on this list and unfortunately, the one many people mess up. Insurance companies use a lot of tactics to get people to talk to them, including pretending to be caring and concerned or acting very official, as if talking to them is required. They’re also known for pressuring people to sign documents or accept an offer immediately after an accident.
Don’t fall for their tricks. No matter what they say, you are only required to report your accident to your insurance company. If they are offering you a settlement early on, they are lowballing you because they know your case is worth more.
There’s one person to talk to that will take care of all the others: your lawyer.
An experienced car accident lawyer, like the ones here at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, can make sure you meet all your insurance form deadlines and help you find the right doctor. They’re also the best line of defense against harassment from the crooked outside insurance companies. Just send them to your attorney at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC and we’ll take care of the rest.
If you think you can’t afford this type of service, you’re wrong. Legal services at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC are free unless we win your case. Then, our payment comes out of your settlement – there are no out-of-pocket costs.
So, what are you waiting for? DO schedule your free first meeting at Dean Waite & Associates, LLC today! Contact us online to get started.