There are more than 4 ½ million people injured in car accidents throughout the country every year. This is true even though the vehicles of today are much safer than the vehicles of yesterday. A car accident can happen when you least expect it and if there is someone else who was liable in the accident, then they should be held accountable.
Keep reading for the simple facts on actions you can take to increase your chance of reaching a successful settlement. Then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you require a free legal consultation from an experienced attorney.
In the United States, over 4.5 million people are injured in car accidents every year, even though today’s cars are safer than ever thanks to some of the latest development in safety technology. Car accidents happen when you least expect it, and, depending on the nature of the crash, they can cause serious property damage and extensive injuries. If you are injured in a car accident, and the other driver was at fault, you should be compensated for your losses. To reach a successful settlement, there are certain tips you should keep in mind as you go through the claims process.
One of the first things you must do after a car accident is call 911, particularly if there are any injuries or fatalities. The police officer will file a report, which you can submit to your insurance company. If you are physically able to do so, collect as much evidence as you can, including photos of the vehicles involved, the location of the crash, any debris in the road, and anything else related to the accident. If witnesses saw the accident, ask if they are willing to provide a statement to police.
How to Reach a Successful Settlement
Do not apologize: No matter how tempting it may be to apologize for some aspect of the accident, this can have a negative impact on your claim. Your apology can be interpreted as an admission of guilt by the other party’s insurance company. Only provide the facts about what happened, and let the police, insurance adjusters, and lawyers figure out the rest. Never talk to the other party’s insurance company as they may try to trick you into saying something incriminating. Provide as much information to your insurance company as possible.
Be careful about discussing injuries: When discussing the accident with your insurance company, avoid going into too much detail about your injuries. Refuse any discussions with the opposing insurance company. In some cases, even your own insurance company may question the seriousness of your injury. For example, if you say that you suffered from whiplash, they may suspect that you are faking an injury.
Do not give a recorded statement: This applies to your insurance company as well. If you provide a recorded statement, it could cause problems down the road. The other party’s insurance company may want to get you on tape so that they can compare your recorded statement to the one you provide in court. They will likely try to highlight any inconsistencies in your story, making you sound less credible.
Do not miss any deadlines: There are important deadlines that you must meet when filing a personal injury claim, and your insurance company may not follow up with you to make sure that you are submitting the appropriate information by the deadline. Typically, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. A dedicated car accident lawyer can help you submit the appropriate information on time.
