Not admitting fault is one of the most important things to do after a car accident. While apologizing is often human nature after a serious event, some may view your apology as an admission of fault.
Some accidents are so traumatic that they can leave you questioning what happened. The less you say after the accident, the better. Protecting your right to pursue compensation for your injuries is paramount during this uncertain and frightening time.
A personal injury lawyer can review the evidence associated with your accident to determine liability for your injuries. Securing the services of a personal injury lawyer is another important step after a car accident that is not your fault.
Saying Less Can Protect You
While apologizing at the scene is always a bad idea, sharing information once you are in the hospital is also risky. Even your most trusted friends and relatives may want to hear about your experience, but you should not divulge what occurred at the scene.
Experiencing serious injuries is traumatic enough—reliving them by sharing details about the accident can only upset you more. There are times you may need to speak with the police for the official accident report. Otherwise, avoiding conversation about what happened is best for a future civil lawsuit.
People should understand that you simply should not discuss the accident. Change the subject or tell them you need to rest. It is the best way to avoid the spread of damaging information that could potentially hurt your case.
Do Not Post to Social Media
Social media keeps us connected with others and serves as a news source for many. Posting photos or video of your accident is a quick way to update the masses, all at once. Friends and family may mean well, however one post to social media may result in misinformation about the accident. This is not fair to you and your need for fair financial compensation.
While this may seem like an easy way to inform people about your accident, again, the information can spread and work against you. Refraining from social media posts about the accident or your injuries is the best policy for your legal action.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
Possible Types of Recoverable Damages You Could Retain
The injuries you experienced due to the fault of someone else can result in significant and expensive medical bills. Here are a few examples of the types of damages (“sum of money the law imposes for a breach of some duty or violation of some right,” according to the Legal Information Institute (LII)) potentially recoverable in your personal injury case:
- Medical costs: can include medical transport like that of an air ambulance, doctors’ fees, and hospital fees
- Ongoing medical costs: these types of expenses include rehabilitation, therapies, and prescription medications
- Loss of income: compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity if you are unable to return to the same job as before the accident
- Pain and suffering
An insurance company may try to contact you soon after your accident. Their attempt to contact you may have one of two goals:
- To assign blame for the accident to you
- To offer a low-dollar settlement before you retain legal counsel
Insurance companies are out to protect their best interests, making it important that you protect yours by contacting a lawyer. Chances are the offer the insurance company makes is not enough to cover your current and future medical care.
Your time recovering from a serious injury dealing with multiple medical appointments, procedures, and treatments is no time to argue with insurance companies. Simply refer them to your personal injury lawyer and refuse to speak to them.
A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement for you. Upon review of the official police report and other evidence, your lawyer can prepare the best case possible. If necessary, your lawyer will be willing to go to trial.
Bressman Law Helps Accident Victims Pursue Justice
It is easy to assign blame after a serious accident. After the dust settles, the finger-pointing often begins. Remaining calm days (and even weeks) after the accident can prevent you from accepting or admitting fault.
Not admitting fault is one of the most important first steps after your accident. Consider hiring a lawyer as well.
Time is not on your side, due to state laws regarding the statute of limitations for filing your lawsuit. Ohio law generally allows two years for civil cases under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. Twenty-four months passes in no time as you lose track of months and dates.
At Bressman Law, we offer a no-fee guarantee. You owe us nothing upfront. We only collect our fee if we win your case. Call us now for a free case evaluation: (614) 538-1116.
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