When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s imperative to understand that you must take the correct steps to protect yourself during these times. Failure to take the necessary steps can impact your ability to file a claim for funds if you’ve been injured by a negligent driver. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what you must do in the days following a car accident. You’ll also discover how a Marietta car accident lawyer can help you if you wish to pursue compensation for the injuries you’ve endured.
What Must I Do Immediately Following a Collision?
If you were involved in a car crash, how you proceed in the immediate aftermath is incredibly important to protect yourself. Generally, you may know that you must swap insurance information with the other driver while you wait for the police to arrive. However, you should also know what steps to take and what to avoid to protect yourself.
For example, you’ll want to make a conscious effort to avoid apologizing to the other driver. Though it may be something you do out of habit, if you apologize, the other driver will claim that your apology is an admission of guilt for the collision. As such, you should not say sorry. Instead, you may want to ask if the other driver is okay.
In addition to avoiding apologizing, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene. In many instances, drivers only take photos of the damage to their vehicles. You should take pictures of the road conditions, both cars, and any visible injuries you sustained. Additionally, if possible, you should try to time-stamp the photos to avoid confusion about when these pictures are taken.
What Steps Should I Take in the Days After a Car Accident?
Though the immediate aftermath of a collision is critical, your actions in the days following a crash are just as crucial. One of the most vital steps you must take in the days after a crash is to avoid going on social media. You should understand that the negligent party and their insurance company will search for evidence to dispute and reduce your claim. As such, if you post a photo at a party with friends, the negligent party can claim the injuries have not impacted your life as you can still do normal things.
You should also ensure you follow your doctor’s orders carefully. If you do not adhere to their orders, such as taking time off work or going for physical therapy, the defendant can claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, since you did not continue medical treatment.
However, one of the most crucial things you must do is connect with an experienced attorney from the Miller Law Practice, LLC. Our team will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve sustained because of another person’s negligence. Pursuing a lawsuit against someone for injuring you in an accident can be much more complex than you may initially think. Connect with us today to discuss the circumstances of your case.