Auto Accident Attorney: The Dos And Don'ts After A Crash

Jul 20
07:56

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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If you've been hurt in a car crash, a good auto accident attorney may be able to get you a better settlement than you would be able to obtain on your own. Here are some of the most important dos and don'ts after a crash.

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If you've been hurt in a car crash,Auto Accident Attorney: The Dos And Don'ts After A Crash Articles you might be reeling from all of the information and advice the people around you are trying to give. Many of them are likely well meaning, but their advice could be leading you in the wrong direction if you want to get money from a court settlement. A good auto accident attorney may be able to get you a better settlement than you would be able to obtain on your own, but you'll have to do some legwork on your own if you hope to mount a successful case. Here are some of the most important dos and don'ts after a crash.

See a Doctor:
This is obviously the first thing you'll want to do if you've been hurt in a car crash. Not only will you want treatment for your injuries, you'll need to provide medical proof of these injuries should the case ever go before a court. Keep detailed records of your treatment, including dates, everything that is done to you, the contents of your discussions with the doctors, what medications you were put on, and so forth. The more detailed, the better. If you're incapacitated to the point where keeping these records is difficult or impossible, try to get someone you love and trust to take the records for you.

Contact a Lawyer:
Contacting an auto accident attorney should be done as soon as possible. But remember: quickly doesn't mean sloppily. Do your research and find a lawyer who is experienced and determined to do right by you. If you're just another number walking through the door, your case may not get the personal attention it deserves. Look for reputation by talking to others and researching online. If you can find a lawyer willing to take your case on a contingency basis, it will be better for your wallet.

Don't Talk to the Insurance Company:
You're obviously within your rights to give them the basic information necessary to cover the initial notification, but you'll want to keep silent beyond that point. Refer any of their questions to your new car accident attorney and let them take care of the talking. An insurance company is going to be angling for the lowest settlement they can get away with. Don't think for a moment that they are in your corner. Their entire purpose in these situations is to maximize profit and minimize loss. As you can see, this does not necessarily coincide with your best interests.

Never Admit Fault:
This goes hand in hand with the above advice, but it is of paramount importance. It is in many people's DNA to look for ways in which they can blame themselves for an accident. If you want to do this in your head, go ahead. But don't make the mistake of doing it aloud -- with anyone.