When It Pays To Remain Silent After An Accident

Law Blog

Being in a car accident can be traumatic for almost anyone. However, accident victims must be mindful of saying too much regardless of their state of mind. Read below and find out why it's so important to remain silent when you are the victim of a careless driver.

You May Be Vulnerable

Accidents tend to create confusion for anyone involved. Part of this confusion may be associated with injuries that affect cognitive reasoning, pain medication prescribed for injuries, and the stress that comes along with traumatic events. It's normal for those hurt in accidents to have trouble concentrating, making simple decisions, understanding issues, and more. Your brain can go into a protective mode for a time that allows it to concentrate on basic survival functions like breathing and more.

This time of vulnerability, unfortunately, can be taken advantage of by those who stand to lose money because of the accident. If the other driver was at fault, their insurer won't wait until you are fully recovered from your ordeal. They may even call you before you are released from the hospital. This type of contact is intentional.

The Insurer Phone Call

You should understand that accident victims don't need to speak to the other driver's insurance adjuster at all. Although the insurer may allude to losing out on accident money, you cannot be denied what you deserve if you refuse to speak to them. You lose nothing by avoiding this phone call. However, you have a lot to lose by taking part in it. You are being recorded as you are walked through the events of the accident, your medical treatment, and your recovery. What accident victims say to the adjuster, even if they misspeak or misunderstand the question, can be used to decrease their compensation. On a related, note, though, be sure to report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can.

Phone a Personal Injury Lawyer

You can avoid speaking to the insurer for the other side by refusing to do so. However, if you are to be paid for all your damages, negotiations must begin. The amount you are paid depends on several complex factors. For instance, your pain and suffering is usually based on your medical expenses multiplied by factors aligning with the seriousness of your accident.

Get a personal injury lawyer to help with your case. They can deal with the insurance adjusters using a wealth of knowledge and experience. They know how much you are owed, and they know how to get the compensation for you. For more information, contact an auto accident attorney near you.

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20 January 2023