You're in your car, driving home from the office and then suddenly someone's pickup truck crashes into the back of you. What do you do? Hopefully you're not injured to the point where an ambulance needs to be called out and take you to the hospital. So let's assume you and the other driver pull off to the side of the road. You should call the police out to complete a traffic accident report and you should swap contact details and insurance details. If you have a camera then great: take a picture of the damage to your car as well as any other vehicles which were involved in the wreck.
You also need to be very careful about what you say.
It might sound simple enough, but it's not always easy to concentrate immediately after a traumatic experience. You need to be on your guard immediately otherwise you might say something which could hurt your case further down the road. I'm not suggesting that the other motorists involved in the collision are scheming against you, but you do need to be aware that if you make a claim against their insurance company, the adjuster is going to do everything they can to pay you as little money as possible.
It's human nature to make sure that other people are alright after an accident. Even if there's no obvious physical injuries, other drivers will doubtlessly ask you if you're okay. You must fight the impulse to reassure them. If you tell a driver that you're fine, then it could seriously damage your claim for compensation against their insurance company later on.
The best approach is to say as little as possible. At the end of the day, the only thing you and this stranger have in common is this accident. An innocent conversation could cause problems, so it's best to abstain altogether. There is really nothing to gain from having a conversation with other motorists after a wreck, but there is every chance that there might be something to lose.
You can request a complimentary copy of my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case for some more information on things to be avoided following a Dallas-Fort Worth traffic collision. In most situations, in is also prudent to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can explain your legal rights and help you decide the best course of action to follow in your personal situation. At the Anderson Law Firm, we offer free no obligation consultations to personal injury victims. Give us a call today toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.
Mark Anderson has been practicing personal injury law since 1991 and is recognised as one of the best attorneys in his field.
Mark is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization – a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Texas lawyers. He was selected as a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum as recognition for his success in recovering compensation for his clients. He has been honored with the prestigious AV Rating by the Martindale Hubbard System and has been rated 10/10 (the highest level possible) by the AVVO Rating System which ranks attorneys based on experience, conduct and industry recognition. Mark was selected as a Top Personal Injury Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine in 2009 and 2010.
For more information about Mark, see his biography.
