Does thinking about being in a car accident leave you stressed and unsure of how to protect your rights, health, and future? Unfortunately, there’s reason for concern. According to preliminary data from the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, 2021 was the deadliest year in two decades on North Carolina roads.
One of the most critical questions you need to ask yourself is, “Who should I speak to and not speak to after a car accident in Wilmington, North Carolina?” Knowing the difference can significantly impact getting compensation for your crash-related damages if you are in a car accident.
To answer this question, the car accident lawyer team at Speaks Law Firm has compiled a list of parties that you should and should not speak to following a car accident. If you have any questions, contact us to schedule your free case review at (910) 341-7570 or complete our online form. Let us speak for you!
DO Speak to These People After a North Carolina Car Accident
Knowing who to speak to after a car accident is critical if you want to receive compensation for your injuries and lost wages. After a car accident, you should speak to these parties:
Law Enforcement
Obtaining a police report from law enforcement is essential for many reasons. A police report provides an official record of what happened and is useful when making an insurance claim. It can also be admitted into evidence should your case go to trial. In cases with injuries or property damage, having a written record is essential to your case. Any witnesses to the accident will also have their contact information included in the police report.
Most importantly, maintain your composure and do not admit responsibility for the accident. Anything you say could one day be used against you.
Your Doctor
Even if you don't believe you've been injured, it's critical to see a doctor as soon as possible after your car accident. People are not always able to see or feel injuries right away. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be evident at first.
Your injuries will be documented by a doctor, who can start treating you immediately. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to file a personal injury claim. It's preferable to be safe and visit a doctor than to suffer an injury that worsens over time.
A Car Accident Lawyer
Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer is one of the most important actions to take after a car accident. Among other things, an attorney can:
- Communicate with the other driver's insurance company
- Obtain the necessary evidence with respect to fault for the accident
- Work with your doctors to make sure they provide the medical information you need so that you can prove damages in your claim
- Organize and present the evidence to prove liability and damages
- Negotiate a satisfactory settlement with the insurance adjuster or defense attorney
If you've been injured in a car accident, don't hesitate to contact our attorneys for help. We will speak for you.
Your Insurance Company
Make sure to notify your insurance company immediately after your car accident. However, use caution when speaking with them. Never sign anything or give a written or recorded statement to any adjuster for any insurance company, even your own, without consulting your car accident lawyer.
DO NOT Speak to These People After a North Carolina Car Accident
The Other Driver
Aside from exchanging insurance information, discussing the accident with the other driver may jeopardize your claim, particularly if you apologize or claim responsibility in any way. Don't speculate on what happened or discuss the specifics of the crash. A simple apology may be interpreted as guilt.
The Insurance Companies
Insurance companies, like all businesses, want to make money. If the other driver caused the car accident and injured you, the goal of their insurer will be to settle with you for the least amount of money possible. To reduce your chances of being taken advantage of by the other driver's insurance company or even your own, avoid speaking with them and hire a car accident lawyer to negotiate with them on your behalf.
Anyone on Social Media
Sharing details and images from a car accident on social media is a huge no-no. Understandably, you'd like to tell your friends and loved ones what happened, but doing so could jeopardize your claim. The at-fault party's insurance provider and your own will use the details you shared on social media to decide how much compensation to offer you. For these reasons, we do not recommend discussing your car accident on any form of social media.
Co-Workers and Friends
The liable party's insurance company may contact your friends or co-workers to gather the information that could reduce the value of your claim. You should keep information about your car accident private until your case is settled because your friends and co-workers may say something about the events of your accident or your recovery that can be used against you. If you are written out of work by a medical provider, just give the note to your employer and tell them you were in a car accident without going into the details of the wreck.
Finally, do not discuss who was at fault in the accident with anyone other than your car accident attorney. Do not apologize for anything because it may be considered evidence that you were legally at fault.
Speaks Law Firm: A Legal Team Who Speaks for You in Wilmington, North Carolina
Don’t wait to contact a personal injury attorney if you’ve been injured in a car accident through someone else’s fault. You may be entitled to a financial recovery for your lost time from work, medical bills, and other losses. Your attorney can also help you by negotiating an insurance settlement or deciding if a lawsuit needs to be filed against the negligent party.
When adversity strikes, who speaks for you? Let Speaks Law Firm speak for you! Contact our qualified car accident lawyer team at (910) 341-7570 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case review.
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