If you’re in a car accident, it’s important to be prepared. There are a few things to make sure you do immediately after getting into an accident, like checking for injuries and calling a car accident attorney in Houston, TX. There are also some mistakes to avoid.
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Ask a Car Accident Attorney in Houston, TX: 7 Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
1. Not Calling a Lawyer
Many people assume that they don’t need to call a lawyer after they have been in a car accident. If the accident was a minor one, they may think that it’s not worth it to hire a lawyer.
But even if your accident was a minor one, you should make sure that you call a lawyer. Lawyers have the training and expertise you need to navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are always respected. They’ll help you get a fair settlement and prevent anyone from taking advantage of you.
2. Talking to Insurance Companies
After you’ve been in a car accident, you need to report the accident to your insurance company. The other party needs to make a report as well. Once the accident has been reported, the other party’s insurance company will likely try to contact you.
You should not speak to the insurance company’s representatives yourself. Always tell them to speak with your lawyer. Insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible, and they may try and take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge. Your lawyer will be able to deal with these representatives.
3. Accepting the First Settlement
The other party’s insurance company will offer you a settlement after you have been in a car accident. As a layperson, it can be hard to know what a fair settlement looks like. Many people also are not aware that they do not have to accept the first settlement offer they receive.
Your top car accident attorney in Houston will help you determine if what the insurance company is offering you is fair. If together you and your lawyer decide that you deserve higher compensation, your lawyer will help you get it.
4. Not Gathering Evidence Right Away
It can be difficult to think straight after you have been in a car accident. The period immediately after an accident is usually stressful and confusing, even when the accident was a minor one. Even though it may feel like a lot is going on, it’s important to stay calm and ensure you’re doing what needs to get done.
Once you’ve dealt with injuries and called the police, you should take the time to photograph and take video evidence of the accident. Document everything that could be relevant to the accident, and don’t forget to get witness names and contact information.
5. Withholding Information from the Police
People may withhold certain pieces of information from the police for a variety of reasons. If the accident was partially your fault, you may avoid recounting some aspects. There may also be some things that you did not think to tell the police.
When speaking to the police after your accident, be as detailed as possible. Describe everything that happened exactly as you remember it, and be as detailed as possible. Everything you saw, felt, and heard should be included in the police report, which will be important evidence for when you’re seeking your settlement. If the accident happens in OH, you can later easily search for the Ohio crash report online by entering some of the collision’s basic information.
6. Admitting Fault
After an accident, it might be automatic to apologize or admit some level of responsibility for the wreck, even if it wasn’t your fault at all. It is very important to avoid doing this, as this could prevent you from getting a fair settlement.
Don’t try to negotiate or work out the facts with the other party or parties involved in the accident. Simply get their contact and insurance information as well as their vehicle information and call your lawyer to let them handle the rest.
7. Posting on Social Media
It can be tempting to post about your car accident on social media. The internet plays an active role in our everyday lives, and sharing what’s happened to you with other people might feel like a good way to try and deal with it.
But you should avoid posting anything on social media after your accident. Never post photos or comments about the accident, and never brag about any settlements or payouts that you might be getting. Posting to social media could result in your losing your case, meaning you won’t get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Getting into a car accident is stressful and frightening. Even minor accidents can be difficult to deal with. Making sure that you have a qualified lawyer representing you will ensure that you get fair compensation for what you’ve experienced and that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
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