legal issues with neighbors

It's completely normal to feel shaken up after you've been involved in a car accident. However, you don't want to allow your after-accident nerves to cloud your judgement. After all, the way you handle yourself directly after an accident could affect events that happen in the near future. So, check out these tips to learn what you should and shouldn't do after a car accident.

Do Call the Police

Even if no one was injured in the car accident, you need to notify the police. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, you do need to talk to them. However, it's important that you don't talk too much. The last thing you want to do is include anything in your statement that could affect the outcome of a future lawsuit. This means, you shouldn't say anything that could imply that the accident is your fault. At the same time, you don't want to assign blame to the other driver. So, when you're giving your statement to the police, stick to the facts. The cop will write up the details of your statement after it's given. You should make sure you get a copy of the statement in case it's needed by your insurance company or car accident attorney in the future.

Do Get Medical Attention

Regardless of whether or not you feel like you're injured at the scene of the accident or you only have a few bumps and scrapes from the wreck, you need to be seen by a doctor. It can be days before symptoms to some injuries, like back injuries or whiplash, appear. By seeking medical attention immediately, your first doctor visit, as well as any additional visits related to the automobile accident are properly documented. This way, if you do need to consult a car accident attorney in the near future, it will be easy to collect all of the paperwork needed.

Do Contact Your Insurance Company

Even if you aren't filing an insurance claim with your insurance company, you need to make them aware of the accident. Most auto insurance companies require policyholders to report any accidents they've been involved in within a specific amount of time. If you don't report the accident, and you end up needing to file a claim at a later date, the insurance company might not honor your claim because it pertains to an accident that wasn't reported properly.

Don't Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company

You should allow your car accident lawyer or your insurance company handle all communication with the other driver's insurance company. This way, you don't say something by mistake that could affect the outcome of your claim.

Getting in an automobile accident is stressful. However, it's important to stay focused on what you're saying to the police and insurance companies, as well as obtain the proper medical attention so that if you do need to hire a car accident attorney, you have all of the documentation needed for your attorney to win your case. If you need a car accident attorney for your case, visit Knochel Law Offices, P.C..