Three Things You Should Not Do After an Atlanta Car Accident

Sustaining injuries in a car accident is often traumatizing. Because of the emotions and stress that you feel after an accident, you may end up saying things that the opposing party can use as evidence against you. When you speak with the other motorist involved, police officers, and witnesses at the crash scene, you can protect your claim by knowing what you shouldn’t say. During the car accident claims process, you need to be careful about any statements you make or actions you take. The insurance provider of the driver responsible for the accident will make the most out of the evidence available to deny your claim. Thus, it is best to have a Car accident attorney in Atlanta handle talks with them. 

In addition, since the state of Georgia has adopted a modified comparative negligence system, your monetary compensation can be minimized if you share responsibility for the accident. Thus, the insurer will try to undermine your claim to save money. Depending on your statements, the insurer may argue that your percentage of fault for the accident is more than 50 percent, which means you cannot get any compensation. If you were found to be less than 50 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced based on your fault percentage. To ensure you do not compromise your insurance claim, avoid the following:

Admitting Fault

After a car accident, you will want to be as honest as possible, especially when you talk to the police, first responder, a doctor, or your lawyer about what occurred. But the way you explain or answer relevant questions can be as essential as what took place. 

If you want to recover compensation from the insurer of the at-fault driver, you can’t be fully responsible for the accident. Admitting fault or implying your contribution to the crash can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Even if you think you were partially at fault for the accident, avoid saying anything that can be used against you later. 

Downplaying Your Injuries

You may say that you are fine after being in an embarrassing situation, regardless of your pain. But this is something you shouldn’t say after a devastating crash. In these moments, you may not know you have an injury since some injuries don’t surface right away. Other injuries may seem minor initially; however, they worsen eventually. For instance, traumatic brain injuries or whiplash can be known days or weeks following a car crash. To protect your claim and health, seek immediate medical attention and follow up with treatment. 

Whenever you make statements to other people, refrain from saying you are okay or that you do not need a physician. Otherwise, the insurer can use such statements to question the severity or even the existence of your injury. In addition, do not post photos or make statements on social media that can contradict or weaken your claim. Before you sign any medical release, consult with a lawyer first. 

Apologizing

Following a road collision, you may want to apologize to the other motorist, particularly if they are upset or hurt. In fact, you may say sorry as a sign of courtesy. But the other party or their insurer may view this as an admission of fault after a crash. Also, saying to the other driver that you feel bad about what happened or that you are sorry about their pain can be misconstrued. 

Speculating About the Accident’s Cause

The police are responsible for investigating the crash and determining its cause. If they talk to you at the crash scene, stick only to the facts and do not give your opinions. Otherwise, such opinions can undermine your claim and make the law enforcement officer believe your account of what happened is undependable.