4 weeks ago
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If you get into a car accident, you need to take immediate measures such as calling the police to report it, seeking medical treatment, informing your insurers that you were in an accident, and collecting evidence.
While fault is being determined, don’t give recorded statements to insurers, don’t apologize to them or the at-fault driver, and don’t post anything on social media.
If you’re wondering how to tell who is at fault in a car accident, the strength of your evidence is what helps determine the answer. Hire a lawyer to deal with insurers – they can fight to secure you fair compensation.
Immediate Actions
There are some important steps you must take immediately after an accident:
- Call law enforcement to report the accident (creating a police report as evidence).
- Get immediate medical treatment to keep you safe. Medical documents also serve as evidence in your compensation claim.
- Look for physical evidence such as photos and videos of the damage and debris, and collect witness contact information.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to let them know you were in an accident.
Even though the at-fault party’s insurance company is responsible for your compensation, this is a precautionary measure in case any issues arise later.
When you talk to the insurers, maintain a neutral tone. Never admit to anything that makes insurers think you were responsible for the accident.
Never Admit Fault or Apologize
You may feel guilty or responsible for the accident, even if you had no role in it. That’s human.
But, remember you’re dealing with potential legal consequences for what you say. When you talk to the insurers or anyone else during the case, always give neutral answers to everything.
Don’t apologize for anything, because you are not required to. You don’t want to give the impression that you’re guilty, even when you are not guilty.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance companies often pressure or coerce you into giving recorded statements, making you think it’s a formal procedure.
But it’s not actually part of their protocol. Insurance companies ask you tricky questions and want you to say something that makes you sound like you share fault.
Avoid talking to the insurance adjusters without proper legal guidance with you.
Stay Away from Social Media
You’d be surprised how many people get their compensation reduced due to their social media posts.
If you discuss any detail about the accident on social media or post pictures where you “seem happy,” the at-fault party’s lawyer or the insurance company may claim your injuries are not as serious as you claim them to be.
Keep your social media private and avoid posting during the case.
Strengthen Your Evidence Record
The stronger your evidence is, the easier it is to get better compensation.
Besides the initial evidence, work with a lawyer to gather additional evidence, such as:
- Expert testimonies
- Dash cam or surveillance footage
- Lost wage documentation
- Statements from witnesses
Don’t Negotiate with Insurers Without a Lawyer
Insurance companies are known for their shady tactics. They will try to lower your payout as much as they can.
Hire a lawyer as soon as you can – they prepare you with solid evidence and can dismantle any accusations against you.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
- If the fault in your case is contested.
- You have very severe injuries.
- Multiple parties share liability.
- The insurance company is acting in bad faith.
Key Takeaways
- File a police report and get medical help right away after the accident.
- Let your insurance company know that you were in an accident.
- Until you get your compensation, always talk in a neutral tone; don’t say sorry for anything or look guilty.
- If insurers ask you to give recorded statements, don’t. It’s to trap you.
- Don’t post anything on social media or discuss the accident with anyone on there.
- Make the evidence as strong as possible.
- You can’t handle the insurance company alone; have a lawyer by your side during negotiations.
The post How Can You Protect Your Rights While Fault Is Being Determined? appeared first on The Hype Magazine.
