Protecting Your Legal Rights After an Accident

After being in a car accident, you may feel disoriented and overwhelmed by what just happened. And if there are injuries, these feelings may be even stronger. Not knowing how to proceed at this point, may have you making mistakes that could hurt your legal rights.

You may feel that caring too much about your legal rights when there may be people injured around you would make you appear too self-interested or litigious, but your actions now will make a difference in the future. They may determine whether you end up receiving the compensation you will need to cover your losses or if you will end up paying for them out of your own pocket.

Knowing this, it is important for you to protect your rights after an accident. To achieve this, keep reading to learn what you should do.

Report the Accident

Call 911 and get police to the scene as well as an ambulance if it is needed. Police officers will evaluate the accident and make a report. Having a copy of this official document will prevent the other party from denying the facts surrounding the crash.

Never Admit Fault

Always keep in mind the often-repeated phrase that reminds you that you have a right to remain silent. Do not talk to the other driver trying to analyze the situation. Do not admit fault or confess to having played a role in the collision. Also, never give false or misleading statements to the police and answer the questions to the point, without any speculation about what happened or why it did.

Receive Prompt Medical Care

Never refuse medical care and get yourself checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. First of all, because there is nothing more important than your health but also because, should you want to file a lawsuit, you never want to give the impression that you did not take your injuries seriously.

If an ambulance at the scene determines that you are too injured to delay a medical checkup, consent to be transported to the nearest emergency room.

Document the Scene and Preserve Evidence

Evidence that is not documented at the scene may be lost forever. Take pictures of the wreckage from every angle, including the cars and their positions. Also, photograph anything else that might have played a role such as an oil spill or any obstruction.

If there are any witnesses, get their testimonies and contact information should you need to reach out to them in the future.

Contact Your Insurance Company

It is important for you to contact your insurance company and inform them about the crash. You will find out that they will likely make you wait weeks before sending you a settlement payment. This is a delicate point because they will also try to make you feel like this is your only option and there is no way for you to ask for more. If you feel the amount being offered is inadequate to cover your losses, working with car accident lawyers in Washington DC will be your best option. You don't want to have to settle just when there are medical bills and other expenses accumulating. An experienced team of accident lawyers can negotiate on your behalf and help you get the compensation you deserve.

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