3 Things You Should Avoid Doing At The Scene Of A Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can leave an accident victim shaken and traumatized. Still, it is important for an accident victim to be aware of his or her actions while at the scene of an automotive collision. Sometimes, a victim's actions can inadvertently hinder compensation or lessen the amount of a settlement. If you are injured in an auto accident, here are a few things that you should avoid doing at the accident scene:
Explaining Accident Details to Insurance Adjusters
Sometimes, especially if a commercial vehicle is involved, an insurance adjuster may arrive at the scene of an accident. The adjuster is there to protect the best interest of his or her clients. Thus, the adjuster may ask you questions concerning the accident. In addition, he or she may ask you to sign paperwork.
It is best to refrain from any conversations with the adjuster. The things said immediately following an accident may not be completely accurate due to the trauma that you have just endured. As a result, misleading statements that you make can eventually work against you. For instance, if you repeatedly say that you are okay, that statement can be misconstrued to indicate that you did not sustain any injuries.
In addition to not speaking to adjusters, it is important not to sign any paperwork. Sometimes, an adjuster will present an accident victim with paperwork that releases the insurance company that the adjuster represents from any liability.
Leaving the Scene Without Obtaining Needed Medical Care
Although you may be anxious to get home after an accident, it is important to ask for medical care if you believe that you are injured. Prompt medical treatment can help ensure that your injuries do not worsen from lack of treatment. In addition, treatment-related reports can help prove the injuries that you suffered.
Failing to Take Pictures
At the scene of the accident, you have an opportunity to take photographs that can help document the event. If you are not severely injured, use your cell phone to take pictures of the scene and the property damages. This can help support your claims of property damage, and in some cases, it may even help show that the other driver was at fault. Often, the positioning of the cars after an accident can help indicate how the incident occurred.
If you are injured in an automotive collision, consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact a firm like Sarkisian, Sarkisian & Associates PC for more info.
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