What To Do After A Car Accident
At my law firm, Steve Crell Law, I often receive calls from people throughout Indiana who have suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents. They are at a loss as to what to do, whom to turn to and whom they can trust to protect their rights.
I take the time to understand their problems and provide guidance relevant to their needs. Whatever your situation, there is one piece of advice I provide to every caller:
Get legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
This can make the difference between obtaining full compensation and an inadequate settlement offer.
Call me at (317) 573-8888 for a free case evaluation and information about what to do after a car accident.
Steps You Should Take After A Car Accident
While every car accident case is different, these are some of the most important things to do after an accident:
Exchange insurance information with the other driver – A simple exchange of insurance information with the other driver will be sufficient. Don’t admit any fault to the driver or apologize for what happened. Be honest and forthright when explaining what happened to the police officer.
Get medical care as soon as possible – Even if you feel fine, there may be more serious problems that do not immediately reveal themselves. This is especially true in cases involving head injuries. Not getting medical attention in a timely manner could result in further harm and complicate the recovery process.
Talk with a lawyer as soon as possible – In a free consultation, I can review your case and explain how my law firm can help you. I can also take steps to protect your rights, preserve vital evidence and begin the legal process.
Don’t make any statement to an adjuster or insurance company representative – Adjusters often try to persuade an accident victim to make a recorded or written statement. The purpose is to obtain information the insurer can use to justify an inadequate settlement offer.
Don’t sign any insurance company documents or medical authorizations without the advice of an attorney – This could enable insurance companies to get access to your medical records. With this information, they could claim that your condition is a result of prior injuries, not the accident in question.
Follow the instructions of your doctor – Do not terminate your medical treatment prematurely. If you do so, insurance companies claim that you need no further treatment, thus limiting the medical care and compensation you need to recover to the fullest extent possible.
Tell your doctor about the pain you suffer and other effects of your injuries – This can enable the doctor to properly diagnose your injuries so he or she can prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen. It also puts important information into your medical record for use in settlement negotiations or at trial. However, you should not exaggerate the pain or suffering you are experiencing.
Don’t post pictures or comments about your accident on social media – Insurance company investigators could use this information to minimize the extent of your injuries and undermine the basis for your claim.
Free Consultation – Contact Me Today
Call Steve Crell Law at (317) 573-8888 or fill out our contact form to arrange for a free consultation. My law office is conveniently located in Indianapolis at Keystone at the Crossing. Free parking is available.