If you believe you were at fault for an accident, or bore some partial responsibility for the accident, you will follow all of the steps you would normally take in an accident first. This includes exchanging information, taking photos, cooperating with law enforcement, contacting your insurance company, seeking medical treatment and retaining an attorney.
Beyond that, there are some other crucial tips for you to follow. These include:
- File a claim: You should still file a claim for property damage and injuries. Your insurance company will still cover you if you were at fault—you just will likely experience an increase in rates when you have an at-fault accident on your record.
- Avoid admitting fault: Whenever speaking to other people, including the driver of the other vehicle, the police or your passengers, you should avoid admitting fault explicitly. When discussing your case, stick to the facts without admitting fault. Even an apology could be taken as an admission of fault.
- Do not discuss the accident’s cause: Avoid asking the other driver about the cause of the accident, or admitting the cause of the accident on our end. You should neither accuse the other driver of wrongful behavior nor admit to any such behavior yourself. Even a simple “I didn’t see you there” would be construed as you making excuses for your own error.
- Still talk to an attorney: An attorney will still be able to help you get the most out of your claim with your insurance provider and represent your interests. They will also help you better understand your rights during any ensuing claims process.
To learn more about how to proceed after an accident, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL auto accident lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.