The first thing that you should do after being involved in a car accident that isn’t your fault is to seek medical care, gather evidence, and contact an attorney. Being involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault can be an incredibly stressful experience. In the aftermath, it’s natural to feel shaken up and unsure of what to do next. The actions you take in the hours and days following can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Preserving evidence, documentation, and your rights will be critical if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver down the line. It’s important to know that a Florida car accident lawyer can help you even if the crash just happened.
Whether it’s minutes, hours, or days after an accident, there are steps you can take. Let’s take a look at what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault.
What to Do After a Crash That Isn’t Your Fault
First and foremost, prioritize safety and call emergency services immediately if anyone is injured. Once you’ve ensured everyone is out of harm’s way, you can start documenting everything at the scene thoroughly:
- If you are able, use your phone to take photos and videos from multiple angles capturing vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, etc.
- Obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance information. Get names and numbers of any eyewitnesses as well.
- File an official police report detailing what happened factually and objectively. Avoid admitting any fault or speculating on the cause.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you feel fine initially, it’s critical to get evaluated by a medical professional after any motor vehicle collision. Certain injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not present obvious symptoms right away.
Seeking prompt medical care creates official documentation linking any injuries to the accident, which is vital for any future insurance claims or lawsuits.
Additionally, follow through with all recommended treatment plans and therapy from your doctor. Missing appointments or deviating from prescribed care can potentially undermine your case later on.
Notify Your Insurance Company, but Carefully
You’ll need to notify your own auto insurance provider that you were involved in an accident, even if the other driver was at fault. However, it’s advisable to simply provide basic facts about the date, time, location, and vehicles involved.
Avoid giving a recorded statement or details about fault until you’ve consulted legal counsel.
Insurance companies, even your own, are motivated to minimize payouts. An improperly worded statement could be used to undermine your claim later. It’s best to let an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer guide you on what to say or not say.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
What Should I Do If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?
If an adjuster or representative from the other driver’s insurance company reaches out to you, proceed with extreme caution:
- You are under no obligation to provide a recorded statement or in-depth details to their insurer. In fact, it’s typically advisable not to. Keep to the facts; don’t elaborate on injuries or engage in any small talk. You may say you are still having your injuries, have not yet been completely evaluated, and are under a doctor’s care.
- Do not accept or negotiate any settlement offers until you understand the full extent of your damages and injuries.
- Refer the insurer to your attorney and have your lawyer handle all communications and negotiations going forward.
The other driver’s insurance company will try every tactic to downplay the accident and minimize what they pay out. Having a car accident attorney advocate for your full interests prevents costly mistakes.
What Are Common Mistakes People Make After an Accident That Wasn’t Their Fault
Even with the best intentions, unintentional missteps after a crash can potentially hurt your ability to recover fair compensation down the line. Some mistakes to avoid include:
- Failing to document the scene thoroughly with photos/videos
- Neglecting to report the accident to authorities and insurers promptly
- Missing medical appointments or deviating from a treatment plan
- Providing recorded statements or details to insurers before consulting a lawyer
- Posting about the accident or your injuries on social media
- Accepting an initial settlement offer before knowing your total damages
Your focus should be on your safety and health – not worrying about legal complexities at the moment. This is why having an experienced car accident attorney on your side is invaluable.
Contact a Car Accident Law Firm to Learn More in a Free Case Evaluation
Being involved in a crash that wasn’t your fault can be traumatic, even if you walked away with relatively minor injuries. You shouldn’t have to navigate the legal aftermath alone or risk missing opportunities for compensation you may deserve.
The car accident lawyers at the Schiller Kessler Group provide compassionate guidance through every stage of the process after an accident. We know how to uphold your rights while dealing with insurers and building a strong claim for compensatory damages.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll listen to the details of your accident, explain your legal options clearly, and advise you of the best path forward – all at no upfront cost.
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