After a car accident, you should write down your memories and identify any potential witnesses. But there are some things you absolutely should not do, because they will make it difficult to bring a lawsuit and receive just compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one is involved in a wreck, make sure to avoid the following.
Never Handle the Accident Without Police
After a crash, you might just want to swap insurance with the other driver, especially if the accident seems minor. Unfortunately, you can’t usually tell from a visual inspection of the outside of the vehicle whether your vehicle has sustained damage. Instead, call the police so that an officer can investigate and file a police report. Your personal injury lawyer will find the report helpful if you later sue.
Don’t Admit You Are to Blame
You might be embarrassed that you got into a wreck, but the last thing you should do is apologize to the other driver. An apology can be used against you later to show that you are admitting fault. Instead, keep your mouth shut. Call an ambulance if the other person needs help, but never say, “I’m sorry” or anything like that.
Never Ignore Your Injuries—Even the Minor Ones
Some injuries, such as back and spinal injuries, might be slow to develop. What feels like an initial ache or pain could soon balloon into a severe injury that renders you immobile. Small cuts or abrasions can also become infected and be much more serious than you originally imagined. For these reasons, take all injuries seriously and go to the doctor for treatment, then call your insurer and report the accident.
Avoid Signing Anything Without a Lawyer’s Advice
Automobile insurers try to settle claims quickly, sometimes visiting accident victims in the hospital and shoving a bunch of papers in their faces. Insurers often promise fast money, which might be tempting, especially if you don’t have health insurance or if the injury will cause you to miss work.
Unsurprisingly, the insurer will typically start off by offering you an amount much less than what your injuries are worth. And once you sign those papers, there’s no chance of going back and getting more compensation for your injuries. If an insurer calls or visits, tell them you are unavailable at the moment—and then call a qualified personal injury attorney who can review all paperwork and protect your rights.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Sue
Time is of the essence when it comes to recovering damages for an auto accident. Accident victims in Georgia typically only have two years to bring a lawsuit. The clock starts ticking from the date the other driver settles their ticket in court. If you wait longer, then you won’t be able to sue—regardless of how at fault the other driver is.
Talk to a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Today
Car accidents can cause serious injury to the driver of the car or to the passengers. If you or a loved one is involved in a wreck, reach out to a Georgia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Slappey & Sadd, we have years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 404-255-6677 or fill out our online contact form. We are proud to serve the entire state of Georgia, including Marietta and Smyrna.