You’ve just been involved in a car crash. You’re likely shocked, overwhelmed, disappointed, and unsure of what to do after the car accident. Whether it was a fender-bender or a more serious collision, thinking clearly and knowing what to do after the accident can make it easier to file an insurance claim and reduces your risk of injury or death. Whenever possible, you should avoid taking the following actions, which are considered the worst things to do after a car accident:
Accepting a Settlement Prior to Consulting a Car Accident Lawyer
It’s common for insurance companies to low-ball settlements so that they can enjoy larger profit margins. To avoid getting low balled, you should always consult a dependable car accident lawyer who may help you recover the fair settlement you deserve. At Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. we have offices in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville to best serve you at a location most convenient to you.
Lying
You must be honest when filing a car accident claim. Exaggerating or telling “white lies” in an attempt to obtain a better outcome will do more harm than good. When speaking to a car accident lawyer, you should be truthful about what happened, your medical history, and what type of injuries you’ve experienced. Honesty is the only way to build credibility that will resonate well with a judge or jury.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after an accident, you should seek medical attention. In many cases, injuries serious enough to require help from a serious injury lawyer won’t manifest until later and the opposing insurer and attorney will attempt to minimize your injuries if you did not visit a medical professional shortly after the accident.
Failing to Collect All Details & Document Everything
In addition to taking pictures of the damage done to both vehicles, you should write down everything about the scene since this information is easy to forget after some time. You should note who was driving, what direction each vehicle was going, and where you were going. In addition, jot down the other vehicle’s VIN number as well as its color, make, model, and year. Documenting the name of the driver and their driver’s license number and insurance company name is crucial as well.
Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett for Legal Representation with Your Car Accident Case
When you make the smart decision to work with a car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett, you’ll be able to identify the source and cause of the negligence that prompted your accident. An auto accident attorney can inform you whether you have a case and will be honest with you about your chances of obtaining compensation for your losses.
If you have a case, Belt and Bruner will fight relentlessly to ensure your rights are protected against negligent individuals, bad faith insurers, and more. Since our firm operates on a contingency basis, you won’t owe us any money unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
Contact us at (205) 933-1500 right after your car accident to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
