4 Things Not to Do After a Kane County Car Crash
You probably already have a good idea of what to do after you get into a car accident - call the police, exchange information, get medical attention, and then call an attorney. Equally important - but lesser known - is the list of things you should not do after a car crash. Making one of these mistakes could make it more difficult for you to recover full compensation or even bar your claim. It can be difficult to think clearly in the immediate aftermath of a crash, particularly while you are still on the side of the road or if you have been injured. Calling a lawyer right away can help you avoid these mistakes as you navigate your path to recovery after a crash.
What Should I Avoid Doing on the Side of the Road After a Car Accident?
Most people are quite stunned right after a car accident. People react in different ways to this kind of shocking event. Some people are naturally inclined to try to minimize the impact of the accident in an effort to calm this situation. However, doing so can cause problems when it comes time to fight for compensation. In general, you should try to avoid:
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Taking blame - Particularly when the at-fault driver is upset and apologetic, your instinct may be to respond “politely,” by saying something like, “it was my fault too - I should have stopped earlier,” whether this is true or not. However, these words can be used against you and could result in a reduced award.
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“I am okay” - It might be tempting to try to reassure others around you during a frightening situation. However, you might not notice that you are injured right away due to the natural pain-reducing effects of adrenaline, or the severity of your injuries may not be immediately clear. Instead, simply say that you are going to be checked out by a doctor.
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Making a deal - In some cases, the other driver might immediately try to settle. They might whip out their checkbook on the spot and offer you an amount that seems fair. However, if you accept this deal, you may not be able to pursue further compensation if it turns out that the damage - to you or your vehicle - was more than it initially seemed to be.
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Confrontation - Getting into a screaming match or worse, a physical altercation, with the other driver is not going to solve anything. It is likely to make matters worse. If the other driver behaves aggressively, get somewhere safe and call the police.
Car accident claims are best resolved later, when all available evidence has come to light.
Call a Kane County Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. may be able to help you recover financial compensation. Our skilled Aurora car accident lawyers can begin guiding you as soon as the accident happens. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/5-things-after-car-accident.htm
