What Not To Do After A Car Wreck!

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We previously published a blog entitled “I Was Hurt in a Car Accident…What Do I Do Now?” that gives a great rundown of the FAQs we get following a car accident. However, after handling as many car accident claims as we have, it seems like it might be a good idea to lay out all the things that you should not do following a car accident….

Fail To Report The Accident To The South Carolina Police Or Dmv

Believe it or not, failing to file a report after a car accident in the State of South Carolina could result in criminal charges against you. Per South Carolina law, if you are involved in a car accident that results in any injury or death, you are required to report the accident to the police. Additionally, if you do not complete and return the insurance verification form from the police within 15 days, the state could suspend your driver’s license. Finally, if you do not report the accident to your car insurance company, your insurance provider might refuse to cover the accident and might refuse to renew your policy.

Assume Your Pain Will Go Away

If you are experiencing pain following your car accident, you should see a doctor right away. Sometimes we want to believe that the pain will go away. Remember that if you ignore your pain, not only could this detrimentally effect your recovery or health in the future, but it could also have a negative impact on your insurance claim. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the easier it is for an insurance company to claim that your injuries are not related to the accident.

Admit Fault

You should never admit fault at the scene of a car accident, nor should you admit fault in conversation with an insurance provider afterwards. Be honest about what happened, but avoid saying things like, “It was all my fault” or “I’m sorry”. These types of statements will almost certainly be used against you later by insurance companies if they are trying to avoid paying for the damages caused in the accident.

Let The Insurance Companies Take Control Of Your Claim

When you have an auto insurance claim, you need to take control of the process. If you let the insurance companies dictate the outcome, you will almost certainly end up with less than you deserve. Remember that the insurance companies typically make more profit if they can pay you less for your claim.

Post About It On Social Media

Following an accident, while it is tempting, you need to avoid posing anything related to the accident on social media. If you post about the accident, the insurance companies may try to use your posts against you by twisting your post into evidence for them.

Accept A Settlement Without Calculating Your Losses

Sometimes following the collision, before you have had time to process, an insurance company will offer you a quick lowball settlement to resolve your case. If they do, you need to be careful not to settle your claim for less than it is worth. Insurance companies’ early settlement offers are usually very low, and they usually do not include any compensation for accident victims’ non-financial losses. Make sure you do not settle your claim until you have a clear understanding of the costs of your injuries.

TRY TO HANDLE YOUR SITUATION ON YOUR OWN

Dealing with a car accident can be extremely stressful. There can be various obstacles involved in recovering your losses after a car accident. So, it is important to remember that help is available, and you can typically retain a local attorney at no out-of-pocket cost. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney handles all car accident claims on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Thus, there is almost no reason not to at least call 843.636.TREY and ask a question.

An experienced personal injury attorney at Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney that can determine exactly who is responsible for your injuries, who understands exactly how find the proper insurance coverage and who knows how to fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your case. Schedule your free consultation with our award-winning local attorney today by calling 843.636.TREY or filling out our online survey.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is intended for informative purposes only and not legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney before you make any decisions on legal matters. Further, viewing of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship with Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney. Matters will be handled by an attorney who primarily practice out of our office in Charleston County located at 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407. Robert W. “Trey” Harrell, III is the attorney responsible for this posting.

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