Automobile accidents range from a fender bender with no injuries, to one that may cause serious injuries or even death. If you are involved in any type of car accident, here are some tips on what NOT to do. In the state of Ohio and any other at-fault state (as opposed to no-fault states) the person who caused the accident, who is at fault, is responsible and their auto insurance should compensate you for any damages including damages to your car and medical bills.
You should know that it is important to contact the police for a police report when involved in an auto accident and trade information with the other driver, specifically their contact and insurance information. There are some other things, however, that you should not do as compiled from a top Ohio personal injury attorney. Here’s our list of the top 5 things NOT to do after a car accident:
1) Do Not Apologize
It may be in your nature to say “I’m sorry” when involved in any car accident, whether or not it was your fault. Be careful, these two little words could be used against you by the other insurance carrier and construed as an admittance of guilt. Feel free to check on the other driver without offering an apology, it’s always OK to ask if they are all right, just don’t mutter an apology when the accident was clearly not your fault and even if you think it may have been your fault. Do not admit guilt to the other driver, witnesses or police until speaking with your own auto accident attorney.
2) Do Not Trust the Other Driver to Do What’s Right Without Police or Insurance Involvement
This happens more frequently than we like, someone runs into you and begs you to not call the police because they cannot afford an insurance hike or a ticket. As compelling an argument as they could make at the time, there is no way you can trust this individual to do what’s right. They may offer to pay you directly for damages, although in our experience this never pans out and you may be left with no compensation for damages to your car or medical expenses.
Always make a report so that you do have proof of the accident, record the facts including make, model and license plate number of the other vehicle. Take pictures of damages if you can.
3) Don’t Wait to Visit a Doctor
Always err on the side of caution even when you don’t think you experienced any serious injury. Frequently, car accidents cause injuries that are not noticed right away and may worsen over time. This gives you peace of mind in knowing nothing serious may have occurred, like whiplash, a back or spinal cord injury that you may not even be aware of, while also providing proof that your injuries were caused by the accident.
4) Do not Speak Directly with Their Insurance Company
The insurance company representing the at-fault driver has a goal to minimize their claim amount and pay out as little as possible. This is where the expertise of your own car accident attorney will provide you great benefit. Take the advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer and never talk to the other insurance company before first speaking with your own lawyer. This is very important, as they will most likely want to record your phone call and can use anything you say against you to reduce your settlement.
5) Never Accept a Lowball Settlement Offer
You may be contacted rather quickly following an accident by the insurance company wanting to offer you a cash settlement. Never accept this offer before you speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who has your best interest in mind. In many cases, if you are left out of work for a few days or weeks, they will be aware of this and will count on you needing some quick cash. Resist the urge to accept a lowball offer and first talk to a personal injury lawyer to determine what a fair settlement amount should be.
Schiff & Associates is here to help, with legal services to protect you and your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We guide you in the best way to respond in cases of a car accident and always fight for the fair settlement you deserve.
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