Car Accident Case Do’s and Don’ts
When you are involved in a car accident, many things will be happening at once. Along with speaking to police, you are also getting treated for any injuries you suffered as well as wondering how your insurance company will react to your accident. In the midst of this chaos, many accident victims make critical mistakes that ultimately cost them the opportunity to gain much-needed compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn what to do or not do in the event of a car accident, here are some tips to remember.
Do Take Photos
When involved in an accident, always take photos – if you can do so safely — of vehicle damage, visible injuries you and others may have, property damage, and skid marks or stop signs that may give a clue as to how the accident occurred. Once you have done this, turn over your photos to your Tampa injury lawyer at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore so they can use them when planning legal strategy.
Do Not Admit Fault
When speaking with police or other drivers, be mindful of what you say. In the nervousness or stress of the moment, many people admit responsibility or to being at fault when they do not have all of the underlying facts necessary for making such an admission. If you say something such as “I’m sorry” to police or the other driver, Tampa personal injury attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore may have a greater challenge in creating a legal strategy that will show you were not responsible for the accident.
Do Not Refuse Medical Treatment
Particularly if your injuries are more than minor, think twice before refusing medical treatment at the accident scene. If you do and later claim you suffered whiplash, a herniated disc, or other injuries, the other driver’s insurance company is more likely to resist the efforts of your Tampa injury lawyer to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement.
If you are a car accident victim and need legal advice, do not hesitate to schedule an immediate consultation with Tampa personal injury attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore.
