In as much as you would all love to avoid ever having an accident during your life sometimes they are simply unavoidable – through no fault of your own of course. And when it comes to accidents caused by other people you should be ready to deal with the outcome of the accident within the first few minutes of the incident itself. Having real mental clarity just after an accident can prevent you from making some pretty serious financial mistakes, all of which could be caused by a single off-the-cuff remark.
So what kind of things do you need to know after being involved in a personal injury accident?
Call The Police
Do this immediately after the accident, if somebody hasn\’t already done so. Having the police present means that a fair and accurate record of the accident can be kept as well as the police officers making a judgment on where the potential for fault lies.
Preserve Evidence
If possible preserve any items of evidence that will help your personal injury claim. For example make sure that vehicles aren\’t moved, passengers don\’t decide to leave and any potentially incriminating items aren\’t removed from the scene of the accident.
Witnesses
If you\’re 100% certain that the accident was not your fault then look for any potential witnesses from pedestrians, shoppers, other motorists or just passers-by who may have witnessed what actually happened.
Medical Attention
Get medical attention immediately – both for your own personal safety and for insurance purposes. Also make sure you attend any follow up medical treatments – the insurance company you\’re claiming against will be watching your every move and not getting medical attention equals not being actually injured in the first place in their mind.
Hire An Attorney
Don\’t just hire any attorney though – you should make sure that you hire an attorney experienced in personal injury claims. If you\’ve already used a personal injury lawyer before then contact them for advice. Never answer any questions asked of you by the other insurance company, or their attorneys, without your lawyer being involved in that particular conversation.
Never Admit Fault
Under no circumstances should you admit fault, even if you suspect you might actually be at fault. There\’s every chance you weren\’t actually at fault here but even admitting that you think you might be could seal your financial fate. If you have admitted you\’re at fault for the accident you can try to negotiate a cash settlement with the other party – this stops insurance premiums being affected. Even people who are partially at fault in any accident can makes personal injury claims in many States, to allow them to cover personal expenses.
Compensation
When considering the amount of compensation you might be paid you should take into account potential future medical or personal expenses. Plus you\’ll find most initial offers from an insurance company are roughly 50% of the final amount you can expect to be paid in compensation – sometimes more.
Never Hurry
There\’s absolutely no reason for you to hurry to settle your claim and if the insurance company does notice you\’re eager you can be sure they\’ll hit you with a real low-ball offer, which you\’ll wind up kicking yourself for accepting years later.
Fees?
Also don\’t worry about attorney fees – most personal injury attorneys get a percentage of the final amount you\’re awarded so they\’re pretty much working on a \”Pro Bono\” basis for you.
If you\’re ever involved in an accident of any kind the key is to remain calm and think clearly – the rest will follow in due course.