What I Wish I Knew Before My Fresno Traffic Accident
It would be great if we could turn back time so that we could correct missteps that cost us money, stress, or time. Unfortunately, this is not possible. However, we can learn new things that can help us if another similar situation occurs again or if a family member or friend experiences a similar situation or event.
Sadly, most people do not search for what to do after a traffic accident until they have been injured in a traffic accident. It is too late to take some of the steps they should have taken; however, the information they learn may help them going forward or if they are ever in a similar situation. For that reason, our Fresno traffic accident attorneys offer the following information for anyone who has been injured in a traffic accident or knows someone who has been injured in a traffic accident.
- Failing to Call the Police Might Hurt Your Accident Claim. When you are involved in a traffic accident, you should call 911 to report the accident and request assistance. Even if you don’t think that you are seriously injured, you want an official record of the collision. If you need to file a claim, the other driver may change his story or deny that he was involved in the crash. Furthermore, while a police report is not evidence in a lawsuit, it can provide valuable information for your attorney to use as he investigates the accident, especially if the police officer charged the other driver with the fault for the collision.
- Delaying Medical Treatment Can Hurt Your Accident Claim. Don’t try to be superman or superwoman — go to the doctor as soon as possible. It is very important to be checked by a physician right after the accident. Delaying medical treatment gives the insurance company a reason to fight your claim because it can claim that your injury is not as severe as you claim, or the injury was not sustained in the accident. If you do not go to the emergency room after the crash, see your family doctor the next day.
- Talking to an Insurance Adjuster Can Hurt Your Accident Claim. An insurance adjuster does NOT work for you. He is not your friend or your advocate. The adjuster works for the insurance company, and his job is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all for your injuries. Therefore, an adjuster will try to get as much information from you to use against you later in your case. It is not in your best interest to give the adjuster a written or recorded statement or sign a medical release until you consult with an attorney.
- Posting on Social Media Can Hurt Your Accident Claim. For many people, social media is a way to stay in touch with family and friends. We share our joys and our sorrows, so why wouldn’t we share that we have been in a traffic accident. Posting on social media can hurt your claim if the attorney for the insurance company obtains certain posts. It is best to refrain from using all social media accounts during your claim or at least until you consult with an attorney.
- Failing to Consult with an Attorney Early in Your Case Can Hurt Your Accident Claim. Some steps you take after a traffic accident can have a negative impact on your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries. By consulting an experienced traffic accident attorney right away, you may avoid some of the missteps that could hurt your case. Our Fresno traffic accident attorneys offer free consultations, so you can learn about your options for holding the at-fault driver responsible for your injuries.
Fresno And Central California Valley Traffic Accident Attorney
Contact Torem & Associates by telephone at (888) 500-5000or online by using the contact form on our website.
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