A List of Don'ts for Car Accident Victims

As human beings, we get very wrapped up in knowing what we should do after an accident. Knowing what to do can be extremely important, especially if you or someone you love was injured. But just as important, if not more important, is knowing what not to do.

Whenever a car accident results in injury, the responsible party and their insurance company will do everything in their power to try to prove they weren’t at fault for your injuries. And thousands of accident victims play right into their hands because they don’t know how to protect themselves.

If you are in an accident:

• Don’t wait to go the doctor until your symptoms worsen; contact a physician at the first sign of discomfort
• Don’t compare stories with other witnesses; your insurance company or lawyer will want a clear picture of what happened, and sharing stories can cause people to misremember events
• Don’t accept a settlement from the other insurance company without seeking experienced help in determining whether it is a fair offer
• Don’t be in contact with the other driver or their insurance company without seeking advice from someone experienced in injury law

Protecting yourself is as much about what you don’t do as what you do. Sadly, there are many people who will take advantage of your vulnerable state of mind after an accident in an attempt to get you to sign away your rights. And because you are tired and hurt, it is easy to give in rather than fight for what you are entitled to.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident, knowing what not to do is very important. Equally important is finding an experienced attorney who will know exactly what you should do to get the care and compensation you are entitled to.