If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ve probably spent a fair amount of time researching all of the things that you’re supposed to do after a crash, such as reporting the accident to the police and getting medical care. Information that may be harder to find, though, is a list of things not to do after a car accident in Massachusetts. Consider the following things to avoid after a crash, and call our experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyers for more information that’s specific to your case–
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Don’t Admit Fault
Immediately after a crash, you may be tempted to apologize to the other driver, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. When talking to the police or to an insurance adjuster, you may feel the urge to say that perhaps you were traveling too fast, or that you may have been distracted. While these comments may feel both normal and innocuous, they can severely undermine your claim. If the insurance adjuster can prove that you contributed to the accident through fault of your own, you may have your settlement diminished. Protect yourself by never admitting fault.
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Don’t Share Details of Your Accident on Social Media
Another big mistake that people make in the aftermath of a car accident is posting about their accident on social media and sharing details of how it happened, their injuries, their recovery process, and the like. While this too may seem harmless, note that anything you post on social media can be used against you, and often first misconstrued and then used against you. For example, a picture of you smiling with the caption, “Recovering going well!” could be used by an insurance adjuster as “proof” that your injuries aren’t that bad.
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Don’t Try to Represent Yourself During the Claims Process
You may feel like filing a claim is a straightforward process that doesn’t require legal counsel, especially if your injuries aren’t severe. But representing yourself during the claims process isn’t always as advantageous as it seems, especially when you have suffered significant damages. Insurance adjusters are looking for ways to diminish the value of your claim and get away with paying you as little as possible. Don’t give them the upper hand by failing to seek legal counsel.
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Don’t Accept a First Settlement Offer
Finally, while you may be eager to put the process behind you and move on with your life, don’t commit the error of accepting a first settlement offer, no matter how eager you are to move forward. A first settlement offer is often low-balled precisely because the insurance company understands your desperation and is hoping you will just accept whatever you can get. You have the right to reject a settlement offer and negotiate.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been in a crash, you need a qualified car accident attorney on your side. At The Law Offices of Alan Hildreth King & Associates, our team is ready to help. Call us today at (781) 284-2900 for your free consultation and the advice you’re looking for.