Most people feel nervous and confused during an accident. In the confusion we might start to wonder: Is anyone injured? Who was at fault? Will insurance cover an accident? All these questions are important, but you should remain calm. Don’t act hastily; what you do later will have implications.
We recommend that you take a deep breath, calm yourself down, and then approach the situation with an open mind. Remember the list below of things you should never do after an auto accident:
Never Ignore Any Injury
Adrenaline can mask minor and serious injuries to your body after an accident. Even if you feel fine, that doesn’t mean everything is okay. Untreated injuries will only get worse with time. If you tell emergency responders you do not need medical care, you may be denied compensation if you are injured by the person at fault. To link your injuries with the accident, you must undergo an immediate medical examination. You should pay attention to minor symptoms after an accident, and have them checked.
Don’t Speak with an Insurance Claim Agent
A representative from your insurance company will contact you to obtain a statement regarding the accident. You don’t have to make a statement. Insurance adjusters always look out for the interests of their insurance companies. Anything you say to them can be used against you later in court.
Do Not Sign A Release
A few days after an accident, the insurance company may try to convince you to sign “quit-hit” releases. You may be offered a deal where they pay a small sum of money, like 600 dollars, and any medical bills that are deemed reasonable. You may regret the decision if your injuries are worse than you thought. They may also cost you more. Wait a few weeks before signing a release form to determine the extent of any injuries.
Do Not Admit Fault
If you admit fault at the scene of an accident or in a written report, your lawyer and insurance company will be in a bad position. You may feel tempted to apologize in a hurry to the other person, but it is not your responsibility to assign blame.
Do not flee the accident scene
Even if the accident appears to be minor, you are required by law to contact the police and exchange information with the other party. It is illegal to leave the accident scene if there are any injuries or damage. If you flee the scene, you may face jail time or heavy fines.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is a St Petersburg car accident lawyer. She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injuries. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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