Car Accident Do’s & Don’ts

If you were involved in a car accident, you might be wondering about what to do after an accident. There are several things you should do to keep yourself safe and protect your rights after the crash. Additionally, there are also various things you should NOT do because certain actions may compromise your car accident claim. Below, we’ll discuss what to do after you get in a car accident, as well as what not to do.

Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney has decades of experience representing victims of car accidents in Binghamton and helping them pursue full and fair compensation. At our firm, our client’s needs always come first. We won’t hesitate to stand up to large insurance companies to fight for the best possible outcome.

If you were injured in a car crash, contact our law firm today for a free, no-risk consultation. Scott will discuss your case with you and help you evaluate your legal options.

When You Get into a Car Accident – What Do You Do?

Being involved in a car crash that was caused by another driver can be traumatizing and stressful. By familiarizing yourself with what to do if you get in a car accident, you can protect your right to claim compensation from the at-fault party. Below is a list of things you should do in the aftermath of a car accident:

Seek medical attention – You should seek medical attention as quickly as possible after the accident to treat and document your injuries.
Contact the police – You should call 911 or have someone else call for you. Leaving the scene of an accident can be considered a crime and can also jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. When the police arrive on the scene, they will draft an accident report that contains vital information about the accident, including driver information, witness contact details, notes about damage to the vehicles and injuries to the victims, and possibly even an initial determination of fault. You will need this document when filing your claim.
Exchange information – You should exchange information with the other driver. Make sure you get their address, license plate number, insurance information, driver’s license number, and information about their car.
Take pictures – If you can, you should take photos of everything at the scene, including the damage to your car and the other vehicle(s) involved, any injuries you sustained, and the accident scene from various angles.
Gather details – In addition to getting the other driver’s contact info, you should also ask witnesses for their contact information. Witnesses can corroborate your story and strengthen your claim.
Report the accident – You should report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible after the accident.
Maintain records – Keep track of all the documentation related to the work that you missed, your appointments and treatments, and any costs related to the accident. Also consider keeping track of the level of your physical pain and emotional distress in a journal to help you understand the accident’s impact on your daily life.
Get a property damage valuation from your insurance company – If your vehicle sustained damage, you should get an estimate from your insurance company regarding how much it would cost to repair or replace your car. If you don’t have collision coverage, get the estimate from the insurance company for the other vehicle and limit any discussion to only your vehicle’s damage.
Contact an attorney – Having an attorney in your corner can be incredibly valuable. Your attorney will provide legal advice, investigate the accident, defend your rights, and act as your advocate. They can negotiate aggressively with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can focus on rebuilding your life.

After a Car Accident DONT’s

Just as you must take critical steps to secure your rights after a car accident, there are also things you shouldn’t say or do. Don’t:

Leave or move your vehicle – Don’t leave the scene. If you do, the other party could accuse you of committing a hit-and-run. Only move your vehicle at the instruction of the police, or if your vehicle creates a hazard in the roadway and the police have not promptly responded.
Discuss the accident – Don’t discuss the accident at length with the other driver or their insurance company, and don’t discuss anything on social media until your case is resolved.
Accept blame or engage in a conversation about who was at fault –What often happens after a car accident? Many people will apologize even if they did not cause it. Any apology you make could be taken as an admission of fault. Never accept responsibility or apologize.
Record a statement – If the insurance company for the other vehicle involved contacts you, they may ask if they can take a recorded statement. Do not allow them to do this. The point of this tactic is to get you to say something that they can later use to reduce or even deny your claim.
Throw away any potential evidence – Preserve every piece of evidence you collected from the scene. Keep all photos, medical records, hospital bills, proof of missed work, and other documentation related to your case.
Sign anything – The insurance company may try to get you to sign a statement in your initial conversations with them or to sign a release of your medical history. Never sign anything without first consulting an experienced car accident attorney. Remember: the insurance company doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
Accept the first settlement offer – One common tactic that insurance companies use to get out of paying you the amount you deserve is to offer you an initial, lowball settlement. They may do this right away, particularly if they believe you have a strong case. While it might be tempting to accept the settlement, you should never accept a settlement without talking to a lawyer. The settlement might even seem generous at first glance, but it is probably far less than you need and deserve. Be wary of quick settlement offers.
Wait to contact an attorney – You should contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Don’t wait to get started on your claim. To prove liability in your case, your attorney will need to gather and preserve vital evidence. The longer you wait, the more likely the evidence will be compromised or lost.

Filing a Car Accident Claim and Need Help? Contact Scott C. Gottlieb Today

Were you injured in a car accident in Binghamton? If so, contact Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney today to discuss the details of your case and how we can help you. Scott has the knowledge and resources to help you pursue the full compensation you are entitled to. Reach out to our law firm today for a free consultation.