What You Should Not Do When Involved in a Indiana Car Accident

We have a family friend who apologizes for everything.  She apologies if she’s late for a social get together, and also apologies if she’s early.  If I ask her to stop apologizing, she says she’s sorry!  Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that some clients have the same habit when it comes to a car, truck, or motorcycle accident even when the crash was not their fault.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, it is usually a stressful event, especially if you’re hurt physically.  Before the police arrive, the other person who caused the crash may also be asking such questions as “why didn’t you get out of my way?”  If you are involved in an accident, here are some important tips to follow:

1. Limit your conversations with witnesses, passengers and the other driver to simply the exchange of contact and insurance information.  Avoid apologizing, even if the other driver appears injured or is upset.
2. When dealing with police officers and medical personnel, just stick to the facts regarding what you saw and observed.  Be truthful, but don’t guess or speculate about what you think might have happened.
3. If the other driver attempts to get you to admit that you caused the crash or is blaming you for the cause of the crash, don’t get in a debate as to what happened.  Tell the police officer what you saw and observed, and let the process go from there.   If the other driver is acting aggressively towards you, simply walk away and wait for the police to arrive.
4. After the accident, do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you have first talked with an attorney.  In the days or weeks after an auto crash, many people may be taking powerful pain medications or not feel well physically.  This is no time to be interrogated by an insurance adjustor who may ask questions such as “how many feet were you from the other driver when he pulled out in front of you?”
5. Call an attorney.  If you have been involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Indiana, it is best to contact an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases right away.  Most reputable attorneys will provide a free consultation regarding your legal rights and their opinion regarding your case, so you have nothing to lose and much to gain by talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.