Most people never expect to be in an accident. One moment everything feels normal, then the next your world seems to turn upside down as you are dealing with pain, insurance calls, and decisions that you never expected to make. Feeling overwhelmed after being in an accident is very normal. While no one can prepare for an accident, knowing what to do (and what not to do) in these situations is crucial.

Looking back, many of my clients say the same thing after their case is settled: “I wish I had known then what I know now.” In this blog, I’ll walk through the most common lessons they wish they had understood before their accident – knowledge that can help protect you if the unexpected occurs.

Immediate Action is Crucial

Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is crucial as early legal guidance can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, prevent mistakes, and maximize compensation. The sooner the attorney is involved, the better they can navigate the insurance companies, document your case, and ensure that you are not missing important deadlines.

The initial shock after the accident can be very overwhelming. However, it is extremely beneficial to document the scene of the accident by taking pictures or videos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, etc. Be sure to share all documentation directly with your lawyer, and avoid posting it on any form of social media.

How to Handle Yourself After an Accident

What you say and do directly after an accident can have a big impact on your case. Even simple statements, apologies, or social media posts can be used by insurance companies or opposing parties to downplay injuries and potentially reduce compensation. It is important to stay as calm and neutral as possible directly after an accident, avoiding any statements that could be interpreted as you admitting fault.

Avoiding posting about the accident on social media is extremely important, as public posts can unintentionally hurt the value of your case.

Medical Care is Essential 

Getting the proper medical treatment after the accident is critical towards maximizing the value of your case, even if you feel okay at the time. Prompt medical care ensures that your health is protected and creates a detailed record of your treatment after the accident that will be vital for any future claim.

Many clients hesitate to seek treatment because they are worried about medical bills, but it’s important to understand that, with the correct legal representation, a personal injury claim can cover more than just your medical expenses. Skipping or delaying treatment will not only jeopardize your health but also decrease the value of your case.

Insurance Companies Are Not Neutral

It is crucial to understand that insurance companies are not on your side, even if they seem helpful at first. The primary goal of an insurance company is to protect their bottom line and provide you with the smallest amount of compensation possible.

This misconception fools a lot of injury victims into thinking that they can handle the claim alone or that a quick, smaller settlement offer is fair. In reality, accepting an early offer without guidance can leave you with far less than you deserve. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures that your rights are protected and you aren’t taken advantage of by an insurance company.

Patience is Key

As an injury client that is unfamiliar with the process of an injury claim, it is very common to get frustrated with the longevity of the process and the numerous steps that it takes to reach a satisfying settlement. Depending on the severity, an injury claim can take anywhere from 6-8 months all the way up to two years or longer if the case were to go to trial.

Even though an early settlement amount may sound appealing, it is critical to remain patient as a case is almost always worth significantly more than what the insurance company originally offers you.

While the process may feel slow and uninformative at times, taking the time to properly build your case often leads to a better outcome. Remaining patient throughout the case allows your attorney to fully evaluate the case and pursue the compensation you truly deserve rather than settling too early for a lesser amount.

Get David Get Paid

At Femminineo Law, we understand the longevity of the process of a personal injury case and guarantee that we are working as hard as possible to get the most amount of compensation in the least amount of time for you and your family.

Whether you are a current client looking for an update on your case or a new client looking to hire us for your injury claim, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at 855-65-CRASH, by email at david@getdavidgetpaid.com, or on our website at getdavidgetpaid.com.