Protect Your Claim After A Traffic Accident: Talk With An Attorney First

After a serious accident, especially if someone has been hurt, the stakes are high and decisions need to be made quickly. You may be in a state of shock and pain, but you still have to handle treatment decisions, child care, calling your boss and more. Everything is in disarray, yet an insurance company — or more than one — wants you to make a statement. What should you do?

Step One: Don’t panic. You have every right to take the time you need to deal with the crisis before you talk to anyone.

If you have any concerns at all, please call a lawyer. Waldron, Fann & Parsley offers a free, no-pressure consultation so you can understand your rights and options before you do anything that could affect your personal injury case or insurance settlement. Contact us online now or call 800-215-1081.

Step Two: Keep your own counsel on the details of the accident, for now. Starting at the scene, avoid discussing what you think happened, especially if you are injured. Ask the police to let you make your statement later. Naturally, you will to need to talk with supportive friends and family, but avoid discussing the details. This is important for two reasons:

• After a traumatic event, you are in a highly emotional state, so your recollection of the events may be distorted. It is common to overestimate your degree of fault.
• Anything you say could lead to problems later, especially if it sounds like you are accepting fault.

Step Three: Do not let insurance adjusters pressure you into making a statement. Your insurance company and any others involved will contact you shortly after the crash seeking a statement. They may tell you all they need is your truthful account of the events. That sounds reasonable, but be aware that you will not be allowed to revise your statement later. Making a statement when you are upset, flustered, medicated or in pain can be a recipe for trouble.

Step Four: Avoid discussing your claim with your doctor. What you need most from your medical team is good care. In terms of the accident, what you need is an honest evaluation of your injuries and the treatment you need. Mentioning personal injury claims to doctors sometimes has a negative effect on the treatment relationship.

Two Final Notes: In Tennessee, you do not have to be blameless for your claim to be successful — just less at fault than the other driver. You have only one year to file your claim.

Do Not Hesitate To Contact Us For A Free Consultation

If you have been in a car or truck accident in Tennessee, the attorneys of Waldron, Fann & Parsley in Murfreesboro are ready to help you through the insurance maze. Contact us now through this website or call 800-215-1081.