DO’S AND DON’TS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

            If you’ve just been in a car accident, you should read the following summary of suggested conduct.

What to DO After a Car Accident:

 1) DO see a doctor.

Getting medical care is perhaps the most important thing to do.

If you, a passenger, or someone else involved in the collision is injured get to a hospital or an urgent care center right away.

2) Do Contact the Police Immediately.

You need to document that the accident happened and how it happened.

If you don’t call the police, it could end up being your word against the other driver’s- and you could be deemed to be liable for an accident you did not cause.

3) DO report the accident to your insurance company.

You’re required to notify your own insurance company of a crash.

Give the basic facts to your insurance company.

4) Do hire a personal injury attorney.

You’ll end up with only a fraction of what you deserve if you try to do this alone. Accident victims who hire an attorney get about 3.5 times more compensation than those people who try to handle their own cases.

What NOT to do After a Car Accident:

1) DON’T allow the other vehicle to drive off right after the accident

Some accident victims have been hit by drivers who gave false information. Even if the other driver gives you his or her name, contact information, and insurance information, insist that they wait until police arrive.

2) DON’T wait to take witness statements.

Try to get witness statements right away, before the details of the accident are forgotten.

3) DON’T give your insurance company more than just the facts.

The insurance company is not on your side.

Your insurance adjuster’s job is not to help you. The adjuster wants to help the insurance company maximize its profits by paying you as little as possible.

The more you say to an insurance adjuster, the more opportunity the insurer has to find some statement that can be used against you.

4) DON’T assume that your injuries are minor or that they will resolve on their own.

You might not feel the full extent of your injuries for days (or even weeks) after the accident.

Waiting to get treatment could reduce the value of your claim.

Even if you feel your injuries seem minor, see a doctor who can give you a full assessment of your injuries.

5). DON’T accept a quick settlement from an insurance company.

You don’t know how long it will take for you to get better.

If you accept a settlement now, you can’t just ask for more money later.

WHAT TO ALWAYS DO:

Always talk to an experienced car accident lawyer. Toledo, Ohio based attorney Fredric Boyk can be reached 7 days a week at 419-327-6160. Don’t delay. The sooner you get legal advice, the sooner your rights will be protected.