If you are ever in a car accident, it is important to know what to do and not do. Many people make the mistake of doing things that can hurt their case or even get them into more trouble. Here is a list of things you should and should not do if you are in a car accident.

Do Seek Medical Help 

Accidents happen all over North Caroline, and it’s essential that you see a doctor as soon as you were in one. This isn’t only good for your health, but every capable car accident lawyer in Shelby, NC will explain how having your injuries documented as soon as possible is the best course of action when planning to take legal action. Call 911 right away and let them know you’ve been in an accident and might need medical attention.

Make sure to keep all the bills as well as the evidence of your injuries. Having these will make it much easier to get the full value of your personal injury claim.

Do Get Legal Help 

A good lawyer will make sure you properly file an insurance claim and get the maximum amount of compensation you’re entitled to. Your lawyer will also help protect your rights if the other driver tries to deny responsibility for the accident. Listen to the advice provided by your lawyer and do not try to go it alone after a car accident.

It’s also important to cooperate with the authorities, as any good attorney will suggest, because if you give a statement to the police that is later contradicted by evidence, you may be charged with perjury. In addition, you should never sign anything without consulting with your lawyer first, as it could be used against you in court.

Do Collect Information And Evidence

There’s a lot of information you’ll need from the other driver and bystanders. These are the following:

• The other driver’s name, address, phone number, email address, and insurance information
• The make, model, and license plate number of the other car 
• The names and contact information of any witnesses

It’s also essential to have all the evidence in one place. These include:

• The police report
• Your insurance information
• Any medical records or bills related to the accident
• Any correspondence with the other driver, their insurance company, or your own insurance company
• Medical bills
• Witness statements 

Photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles or property

Having all these lined up will be very helpful when you or your lawyer are dealing with the insurance company. Make sure all the information is accurate and the evidence is credible. The more information you have, the easier it will be to make your case. 

Don’t Leave The Scene 

Never leave the scene before exchanging information with the other driver. You could be charged with a hit and run. If you’re not at fault, leaving makes it look like you are. 

Even if the accident is minor, it’s not worth the risk of being charged with a hit and run. So exchange insurance information with the other driver and wait for the police to arrive. 

And if anyone is injured, call for medical help right away. Leaving the scene of an accident where someone is injured is a felony in most states. So don’t do it!

This is also important because the police will come out and take a report. And that report could be very helpful to you later on, especially if the other driver is not cooperative. 

Don’t Wait Too Long 

There’s a time limit in which you will have to file a car accident claim, and it differs from state to state. You don’t want to wait too long after the accident happens to file a claim because if you do, you may not be eligible for reimbursement. In general, it’s best not to wait more than a few weeks to file a claim.

If you’re not sure how long you have, the best thing to do is reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can help guide you through the process and ensure that you take the necessary steps in order to get the compensation you deserve. An attorney can also help if your case ends up going to trial.

Don’t Exaggerate 

Never ever lie or exaggerate about what happened during the accident. It’s not worth it and if you get caught, your credibility will be shot. Just give a straightforward account of events and let the insurance company do its job. 

You should also avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting with an attorney first. The last thing you want to do is say something that could be used against you later on down the road. 

Nobody likes to be in a car accident, but when it happens, it’s essential to seek medical help for you and the others involved. Make sure to hire legal help and collect all the possible information and evidence you can. Never leave the scene before everything is assessed and don’t wait too long to file a claim as there’s a time limit. Finally, never exaggerate your situation to the police or the court as it can only get you in trouble.