If you were recently involved in a car accident, taking the right steps immediately is imperative to coming out on top of any legal pursuits you may face. More than half (55.7%) of fatal crashes between 2003 and 2007 involved at least one driver who was described as potentially committing an aggressive action, but you need to work with a car accident attorney to be able to prove that the accident wasn’t your fault in order to receive substantial compensation. Here are some answers to common questions about what to do when you’ve been in a car accident.
- “If I don’t feel an injury after the accident, do I still need to go to a doctor?”
This can be a tricky issue, but the safest bet is always to see a doctor for an evaluation, even if you think you feel okay. There are some injuries that have effects you don’t always feel right away, and a doctor is the only one qualified to properly evaluate you in case of any injury. Most experts see this as a critical step toward getting the compensation you deserve. - “What if the accident may have been my fault?”
It’s important to remember that there are many potential causes of car accidents, and in many cases, there isn’t just one single cause, unless you were driving aggressively. More than three quarters (78%) of respondents to the 2008 AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index rated aggressive drivers as a serious or extremely serious safety problem. Still, your attorney can help walk you through exactly what happened to determine the most likely cause. Keep in mind that you don’t want to excessively apologize or admit fault to the other driver after the accident; it could have negative legal implications. - “Should I release my medical records to the other driver’s insurance company?”
This is a definite ‘no.’ Your medical records should always be kept confidential. Findlaw.com says, “Medical record releases should only be signed under limited circumstances and after consulting with a qualified personal injury trial lawyer. If your medical information gets into the insurance adjuster’s hands, it could hurt your case.”
Ultimately, working with an experienced attorney for car accident cases is always the best path to take.
