Being hurt in an accident is a shocking experience, as accidents always come about unexpectedly. The best way to deal with the danger of being in an accident is to be responsible in all of your daily activities. If you drive, you need to follow the law and carry insurance, so that you and any another person who might be involved in an accident are covered for their possible injuries. Also, don’t text while driving and do not drive while intoxicated. If you follow all of these simple rules, the odds of coming through an accident safely are much better all around. Still, accidents can happen, so it’s good to be prepared.
What to Do After an Accident
The aftermath of an accident can be shocking, as the event is so traumatic and so unexpected. If you have been involved in an accident, the most important thing is to check on everyone’s safety (if you can), and then report it to your insurance company. If people have been injured, the police should be called and a report should be filed. If you have been injured, however, it’s not wise to talk to the responsible party’s insurance company lawyers. Why? The answer is a bit complicated.
After an accident, the lawyers for the insurance company that represents the person who caused the accident may want to give you a settlement offer soon after the incident. The amount may seem generous, so it can be tempting to take it right away and move on quickly. The reality, however, is that soon after an accident you may still be in shock and recovering from injuries. There may be medical costs down the line that you don’t foresee right now, and the initial offer may not cover all of them. For all these reasons it’s really wise to wait and have local injury attorneys use their expertise to negotiate a settlement that is fair to you.
No one wants to be in an accident, but if you are, be wise and protect yourself, so you don’t end up being a victim twice.