In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it is natural to feel frightened and overwhelmed. However, you must do your best to remain calm and keep in mind that the initial steps you take after an accident can impact your ability to obtain compensation for your damages. When you exchange insurance information with the other driver after an accident, you should be careful about what you say because any comments you make can be used against you later.
If you have suffered serious injuries because of another driver’s negligence, you should consider hiring a Houston car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and obtain fair compensation from the insurance company. At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., our talented Houston car accident lawyers can help you deal with insurance companies and fight to secure the maximum compensation possible for your losses.
Call us today at (281) 283-8500.
Do’s and Don’ts When Speaking with the Other Driver After a Car Accident
After a car accident, one of the things you will need to do is exchange information with the other driver(s). What you do say to the other parties involved is just as important as what you don’t say.
- Do check on the other drivers and passengers to see if they are in need of any immediate medical attention.
- Do gather necessary information. Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers of all of the drivers involved.
- Do take down the vehicle information of the other driver, including the make, model, and year of the car along with the license plate number.
- Don’t let the other driver talk you into not contacting the police.
- Don’t assume that the other driver has notified their insurance company of the accident even if they say they have.
- Don’t say that you’re fine or that you have no injuries. Some injuries (e.g. concussions or soft tissue injuries) are not readily apparent and the adrenaline running through your body immediately after an accident can mask pain from a serious injury.
- Don’t give your recollection of the accident or get into any arguments about who was at-fault. You should be polite to the other driver and avoid making any accusations that will unnecessarily escalate the situation. The best way to protect yourself is to say as little as possible after an accident.
- Don’t apologize to anyone even if think the accident was your fault. In some accidents, it may be unclear who was at fault. Saying that you are sorry can be seen as an admission that you are legally responsible for the accident.
How The Krist Law Firm, P.C. Can Help
Working with the Houston car accident lawyers at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. as early as possible after an accident is the best way to protect your rights and get a fair recovery for your injuries. We use our extensive experience, skills, and resources to fight for the best recovery possible in every personal injury case.
We have been successfully representing accident victims for more than four decades and have helped countless individuals recover compensation for past and future:
- Medical costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical limitations
- Physical pain
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
Call us today at (281) 283-8500 or fill out our online contact form to receive a free, no-obligation consultation.