If you have been in an auto accident, it can be difficult to know what to do following the incident. Given the stress and pain from an injury you are likely to be experiencing, it may be difficult to process your next steps. Nevertheless, following an auto accident or truck accident in Metro Detroit or anywhere in Michigan, you will want to keep calm and take steps that will help you deal with the situation.
Below are several myths surrounding auto accidents that the team at Bashore Green addresses at times with clients. It is best that all motorists understand the best practices in dealing with an auto accident or auto-related injury.
MYTH: "It's okay to settle an auto accident on your own with the person who hit you."
FACT: Before making any legal decisions after an accident, you should consult an experienced attorney first, to understand your rights. Just accepting the settlement offered by the insurance company could drastically undervalue your case. Even accepting cash on the scene from another motorist who may have been at fault is unwise.
MYTH: "I don't need to share contact information with everyone involved in a car accident"
FACT: After an auto accident, it is imperative that you exchange contact information with everyone involved in the crash. Having more than enough information is crucial and it will help ensure you have the correct contact information of other drivers involved in the auto accident.
MYTH: "Taking pictures after an accident is enough documentation."
FACT: Taking pictures is an effective way to document an accident, but it is not enough. As someone involved in an accident, you will want to write down all of the details associated with the accident, including expenses and any medical care you may have received as a result. These notes may continue for days or weeks following the accident if you require medical care or have lingering medical issues or pain.
MYTH: "After an auto accident, your first call should be to your insurance company."
FACT: The first thing you should do after being involved in an auto accident is to seek medical care for any injuries that may have resulted. Once you have been cared for, then you should consult with insurance and legal professionals about the incident. Ideally, you would call the experienced auto attorneys at Bashore Green before you reach out to your insurance company, especially if you have been injured and another driver is at fault.
MYTH: "The compensation or settlement you receive will be the same as someone you know that had a similar injury after an accident."
FACT: Settlements can vary due to many different factors, such as the location of the accident, intent, and the source of the injury. Every accident is different. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced auto accident attorney if you believe that you may have a case.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure that you're handling your situation in the best way possible. Rather than adhering to myths, or basing your decisions on assumptions, understanding the facts can help you make the right decisions during a stressful time.
If you have questions, the experienced auto accident lawyers at Bashore Green can help. Call 248-209-6009 or contact us directly online to learn more.