One of the difficulties of getting in a car accident — besides any injuries and property damage — is having to navigate all of the legal details that come after it. If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident and are planning to file a personal injury claim, the time immediately following an accident is absolutely crucial for the success or failure of your case. Just as important as what you do after and accident is what you say. Remember that only half of plaintiffs win in personal injury lawsuits, so what you say or don’t say after an accident can have serious consequences.
What to Say Right After an Accident
Right after an accident you need to seek medical attention and call the authorities. Tell the person caring for your injuries exactly what physically bothers you so that there is documentation of your injuries for use in a trial. You need to tell the police your version of events and how the accident happened from your perspective. When you’ve gotten medical treatment and have filed a police report, you also need to call your insurance company and file a claim. Tell them as many details surrounding the accident as possible. You should also provide the other people involved in the accident with your contact information.
What Not to Say Right After an Accident
One of the most important things you need to know is what not to say after an accident. Never admit fault or apologize. It’s okay to be cordial, but it’s best to avoid talking about the accident at all, with anyone. Give the police and your insurance an objective version of events, but avoid talking to anyone else. Only give your name, phone number, and insurance information to the other people involved in the accident.
Do you have any tips about what to say right after an accident (and what not to)? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below. Read this website for more information. Get more on this here.
