After being hurt in a car accident, you will want to begin protecting your legal rights as soon as you can. While many guides seek to address what you should do after a collision, only a handful offer guidance as to what you should not do after a car accident.
Here are five common mistakes to avoid:
- You should not leave the accident scene until the proper authorities have been notified and you have exchanged all the necessary information.
- You should not admit blame for the accident in any capacity.
- You should not neglect to seek medical care for your aches, pains, and other symptoms.
- You should not avoid calling the police if the collision resulted in any injuries, deaths, or property damage.
- You should not make any assumptions regarding the liable insurer’s willingness to settle or cooperate.
After being injured in a car accident, you may be struggling with serious injuries in addition to your financial burdens. It is important to remember that legal help is available during this challenging time, and you could be entitled to compensation for your accident-related losses.
Stopping at the Accident Scene Can Save Lives
It is illegal to flee from the scene of an accident in Ohio if someone is hurt. Motorists who fail to stop and report an accident could put lives at risk by prolonging the time it takes for injured parties to get the medical help they need. Consequently, the penalties for leaving an accident scene are severe, involving steep fines and a possible jail sentence.
A motorist may flee an accident scene for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it is because they are driving under the influence of alcohol and do not want to get caught. Other times, it is because they do not have insurance.
If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver, it can be beneficial to seek advice from a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options. They may be able to help you recover compensation for your accident-related losses.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
You Should Call the Authorities Following a Collision
Having your injuries properly documented after a collision should be among your main priorities, even if you feel relatively unscathed. Shock can mask underlying symptoms, and seemingly trivial symptoms can hide underlying health issues. Injuries, such as a concussion and whiplash, do not always manifest symptoms right away. For that reason, following a collision, you will want to call law enforcement officers and medical professionals to the accident scene.
The attending medical professionals will provide emergency care for anyone who was seriously injured in the collision. The attending law enforcement officer will perform an investigation of the scene and write a report. This report can help your personal injury lawyer later if you decide to move forward with an insurance claim or lawsuit.
The information that is documented in the police report could include the exact location of the accident, the names of the involved parties, and the cause of the collision. This information, in turn, can help you build a personal injury case. If successful, your compensatory damages could include current and ongoing medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, and emotional trauma.
Exchange and Obtain the Correct Information, Avoid Discussing Blame
By understanding what you should not do after a car accident, you take the first step toward protecting your legal rights. According to information provided by the AAA Exchange, following a car accident, you will want to give the necessary information following a collision. This information could include your name, phone number, and insurance policy details.
It is also beneficial to avoid discussing blame with the other driver. Any statements that you give could be used against you later on. Additionally, if possible, take photos of your injuries, your vehicle’s damage, and the accident scene itself.
You will need to report the accident to your insurance company. Still, you can hire a lawyer to manage the entirety of the claims process. They can speak with the liable insurance company on your behalf, review the details of the involved policies, and negotiate for a settlement.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Contact Bressman Law to Determine Your Legal Options
While you can seek compensation following a car accident in Ohio, managing the claims process on your own may prove difficult. Having a personal injury lawyer manage the claims process from start to finish could help relieve some of the stress that you may be feeling.
You can discuss your situation with Bressman Law at no cost to you.
When you partner with us, we can advance your legal interests by:
- Helping you manage the deadlines surrounding your case, such as Ohio’s statute of limitations, which is outlined under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 2305.10
- Investigating the cause of your accident and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Evaluating the value of your claim and negotiating with insurers
- Representing you in court, if necessary
If you have any questions about claiming compensation and would like to know more about our services, call Bressman Law today at (614) 538-1116.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
