Regardless of how careful you are, at some point, you may be involved in a car accident. This is an unfortunate fact of life. Accidents occur every day – some minor, some more severe. In many cases, after an accident, you may feel off guard and unsure of what to do next.

If you feel this way, you can easily make a mistake that could cost you down the road. However, with the information here, you can protect yourself and have a better chance of successfully recovering compensation for the injuries and damages you suffered. 

Don't Make Incriminating Statements to the Other Driver 

Regardless of if you believe the accident was your fault, you need to make sure you don't say anything that could be viewed as an admission of fault or guilt. It is a good idea to ask the driver if they are okay and if any of their passengers are injured. If someone has suffered an injury, make sure to call for emergency assistance right away. 

Contact the Police 

Even a minor accident, such as a “fender-bender,” requires the presence of the police. These individuals are trained and know what to do to sort out the situation. They can also report the facts of the accident scene and serve as a neutral party to determine who is liable. If your case winds up going to court, the information on the police report is typically inadmissible; however, these documents are useful when trying to negotiate a settlement. 

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider 

In many cases, if the accident is minor, a driver may choose not to report it to their insurance company. However, if you fail to do this, then it may be problematic if the other party decides to file a claim against your policy. Further complications may arise if the other person decides to sue you. When you report the accident, you can feel confident that the insurer is going to stay on your side and that they will provide you with a legal defense if the other party sues you. 

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

If you receive a call from the other person's insurance company, simply refer them to your claims adjuster. This individual understands how to handle all the process and what they should and should not say. If you try to answer questions from the other person's insurance company, they may misconstrue what you say or use it out of context. Even, more importantly, is that you don't issue any type of recorded statement. If the insurer persists, you can tell them to speak with your lawyer. If you are in a car accident, the best thing you can do is contact the lawyers from Bautista LeRoy today. They understand the law and can help you get the compensation you deserve.