subject: 5 Tips For Dealing With An Accident Before Contacting An Auto Accident Lawyer [print this page] Filing a claim against an insurance company can be an overwhelming process. These companies have made a business out of insuring vehicles -- and a lot of that business profit comes from the fact that regardless of the high rate of car accidents in American society, it is still a low risk incident. But they also make a lot of their profits on the fact that they know how to win cases, and while many companies are honest, they may take advantage of the little guy out of sheer self interest, limited perspective, or even dishonesty.
That's why it is extremely important to contact an auto accident Attorney and get help with your case, but there are also a few things that you need to keep in mind as soon as the accident happens to make their job easier. Here are five tips to make sure that you get off on the right foot when dealing with these situations:
1. Photograph Everything
It is extremely important in any auto accident scenario that you photograph everything that you can. No matter how bad an auto accident, and even more so if it's particularly bad, the damaged vehicles will need to be cleared from the road to allow traffic to continue. That means that the scene cannot be preserved for further analysis later. So take photographs of the damage to all the vehicles and the environmental conditions that may have contributed, even if they didn't seem to contribute, to the situation.
2. Get Witness Statements
Witness statements are crucial in an auto accident case. There are typically a wide variety of variables that led up to what actually happened. And it's not always easy to determine the cause. Furthermore, individual perception often plays a role in how each person sees the accident. And even if the other driver realized from the get-go that it was their fault, their mind may change over time. Witness statements will help to clear up any confusion and altered perceptions.
3. Get Contact Information Of Everyone Involved
Of course, for that same reason you also should get contact information of everyone involved -- and that includes just the involvement of being a witness. Even if they witness declined to give a statement right off the bat, be sure you have all the contact information and perhaps they'll be more inclined to speak with your lawyer at a future date. And of course, any drivers involved should not be allowed to leave the scene until they give over their information.
4. Never Admit Guilt
It's important that you never admit guilt, no matter how guilt you feel you may be. You may even feel that the accident was your fault when it wasn't. This is partly due to the complex nature of driving, which we often forget about after doing it for so long. Perhaps you were distracted for a brief moment, and that's why you didn't notice that the other driver made a huge mistake. But that doesn't mean that you are to blame.
There are many different scenarios in a situation like this, but remember that an insurance company will jump on top of the opportunity if you claim responsibility at the beginning.
5. Contact Your Auto Accident Attorney Immediately
As soon as all these precautions have been taken, or even as you're taking them, be sure to contact your auto accident lawyer. The longer you wait the more you leave to chance. That's why it's important to have an attorney in mind and keep their contact information in your wallet where it's always accessible. And in your cell phone.
by: James Druman
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