Do you know what steps you need to take following a car accident? How about what you should and shouldn’t say? Doing the wrong thing may greatly affect the settlement you deserve, so consider this list of post-accident don’ts.
1. Don’t Say You Feel OK
The body often goes into shock following a car accident. Adrenaline kicks in, and you can’t properly assess how you feel. It may take several days for you to understand the full extent of your injuries. Because of this, it can be damaging to your claim if you declare to police or paramedics that you feel fine. If you want to decline ambulance services, do so, but do not make the statement that you feel just fine. Insurance companies have been known to use statements people make at the scene of the accident as leverage to pay out less. Declarations of well-being can make it harder for an auto accident attorney central Florida to get you an appropriate settlement.
2. Don’t Wait To Seek Medical Care
Even if you decline medical services at the scene of the accident, it’s a good idea to talk to a physician to make sure you’re actually OK. If you don’t feel well, never wait it out to see if you’ll get better.
Additionally, if you’ve set up appointments for physical therapy or chiropractic care, never miss them. Insurance companies can use your actions to try to prove that you’re not as hurt as you say you are.
3. Don’t Say You’re at Fault
Following the accident, an insurance company adjuster will call you to ask questions about what happened. Do not admit that you may be partially at fault, and never discuss the extent of your injuries, especially because they may change over time.
By avoiding these mistakes following an auto accident, you have a better chance of getting a higher payout.
