The things that can be damaged in a car accident mainly include people and property. When you suffer these types of damages, you are likely to seek an injury claim to obtain compensation for your losses, but did you know your claim can be damaged as well?
You need to be extremely careful of who you talk to, what you say, and how you act after a serious car accident when you’re filing an injury claim. This is because of the fact that the insurance companies will be watching to find any evidence that could be used to give them grounds to deny or diminish your damage claims.
One of your best sources of protection from this type of situation is to have a Front Royal attorney managing your injury claim.
Consider these 3 types of conduct you may engage in during the process of filing and settling an injury claim. Take note of what actions to avoid so you don’t unintentionally damage your chances at a fair settlement!
#1 - Your Actions Following The Car Accident
Immediately after the car accident you’re shaken up, emotional, and most likely in pain.
This is when victims tend to say damaging things that can ruin their future injury claim. Your first responsibility is to remain at the scene and contact the police to file an incident report.
While you wait for police to arrive, try to say as little as possible to anyone else. Don’t point blame at the other driver or pedestrian, don’t say it was your fault, and don’t speculate on what happened. Answer the officer’s questions as briefly as possible with only factual information, not guesses or accusations.
Don’t leave the scene until the police or EMS allows you to, and before you do make sure you know what is being done to your vehicle or property involved in the accident. You should also make sure you get the contact information for any witnesses to your car accident so you can provide them to your attorney for evaluation.
#2 – Your Actions when Contacting the Insurance Company
After you’ve recovered a bit from your injuries and feel up to the task of dealing with the insurance company it’s time to file your claim. When your accident occurred in or near Front Royal, an attorney in that area will be your best ally for managing the process of filing an injury claim.
As you establish your claim, you’ll be contacted by an insurance adjuster who will be asking you about:
- the details of your injuries;
- damaged property; and
- how the car accident has affected your life.
They will most likely ask you to give a recorded statement to document these details – do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company until you talk to an attorney!
Recorded statements are conducted in a manner designed to get you to admit details that could damage your claim. For instance, the adjuster may try to lead you into admitting that you were partially at fault for the accident, which could give them grounds to deny your claim.
Basically, the more you let your Front Royal attorney handle in your injury claim, the better chance you have of avoiding any delays or denials in your settlement.
#3 – Your Actions on Social Media
When something like a serious car accident impacts our lives we’re often quick to let all our friends and family know about it. Social media has made this conduct extremely quick and easy, but also much more dangerous to your claim.
Just because you think your privacy settings on social media sites are secure doesn’t mean they’re completely protected!
Do not rely on the supposed “safety” of your Facebook account when you want to discuss the details of your car accident with your social circle. Some of the worst things you can do are to say things like, “Oh it wasn’t that bad” or, “It’s just a few bruises.” You may want to save face in front of your friends, but the insurance company could see that as an admission that your injuries aren’t that serious.
Try to refrain from discussing your car accident publicly, and remember that anything posted to the internet has a slight potential to be found by someone else, even if you think your privacy settings are locked down.
All in all, the best way to avoid any of these damaging actions is to work closely with an injury law firm in Front Royal. Attorney assistance during these legal matters can not only help save your claim from unnecessary denial or delays but also allow you to focus on recovering rather than paperwork and dealing with insurance companies.
Contact a Front Royal Attorney
If you are the victim of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, whether in a car accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. The injury and wrongful death lawyers at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas are available to help those who have been involved in a Northern Virginia accident and are seeking to file an injury claim. Call 540-636-7100 to speak with an experienced Front Royal attorney today.
