If you've been in an accident, and the other driver was to blame, you are likely dealing with a myriad of problems right now. In the confusion, it's easy to make some missteps. It's important that the other driver and their insurance company compensate you for your injuries, and if you make some of the mistakes below that entire process could be jeopardized. To make sure that you don't do damage to your ability to get damages, read on.
Speak too freely. Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes that mistake is to cause damage in a car wreck. If the other driver shows remorse and seems to be taking the whole thing badly, it may prompt you to say something that you will end up regretting. Keep in mind that everything you say at the accident scene and later on could be construed to harm your chances at a fair claim. Any admissions of partial guilt, any assurances that you are "fine," and anything else said about the accident could be harmful, so keep your silence.
Another potential land mine for putting foot in mouth exists through the recorded statement request. No matter how much the insurance adjuster for the other side assures you that answering a few quick questions will get a big check on it's way to you, don't do it. The insurance adjuster does not have your best interest in mind, and they are quite adept at getting you to say things that could make you look partially at fault.
Anytime you have to share fault with the other driver, your compensation is reduced. It may be true that you are, in fact, partially at fault. In this instance, your personal injury attorney should be the one to hash that out during settlement negotiations.
Rely heavily on the accident report. If a a law enforcement officer responded to your accident, there will be an accident or other police report filed. These reports are very valuable, since they contain the contact information of all parties, a listing of any traffic tickets issued, a drawing of the scene, and much more.
Some accident reports even contain the officer's opinion as to the cause of the accident. Don't make the mistake, however, of relying too heavily on this report to state your case for you. Accident reports are not admissible in court, so they should be used as only one part of your case against the other driver.
To get more information about things you should never do after your car wreck, speak to a personal injury attorney such as Charles Aaron PLC.
