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Survival Lessons

June, 2009

Because Car Wrecks Involve Much More Than Just the Impact, Don’t Discuss Your Case with the Insurance Company

If you are fortunate enough to have survived a significant collision, you may not be aware of the next potential tragedy awaiting you.

Often times after having survived such an ordeal, you may want to simply sit back and sigh with relief. However, doing so means forfeiting the only opportunity to develop critical pieces of information necessary for the protection of your interests.

Nowhere does the axiom (saying), “A good picture speaks a thousand words,” more accurately apply than in the showing of the severity of a wreck as a single picture of the damage inflicted upon the vehicles hit in an accident. The white truck in the upper left hand corner, was declared a total loss but due to age and mileage the victim only received $1,800. Once he settled his property damage claim, the vehicle was moved and the former owner no longer had access to it. In this case, as so often happens, the value of the vehicle even though paid by the other man’s insurance, does not begin to describe what happened to the people inside. One good picture of the car is often worth more than $10,000 in medical bills. Though adjusters all like to take pictures, these often conveniently disappear before trial. One remedy to this problem is to invest several dollars in a disposable camera and get pictures before the car is repaired or removed by the insurance company.

Also, medical questionnaires and “friendly” insurance adjusters pose similar threats to your interests following a car wreck.

Poorly worded responses on medical forms create the possibility of an evaluator later classifying one’s injuries as pre-existing and thus not recoverable as part of the collision.

One should never give a recorded statement without the assistance of an attorney regarding a car wreck. Honest misconceptions regarding fault and time/distance/speed have serious ramifications later.

In summary, critical evidence is being developed either for you or against you in the initial days following any motor vehicle accident. Whether good or bad, it is being developed.

Seeking the advice of a qualified attorney who routinely handles such matters is always a good idea as the attorney can ensure your interests are protected.

After a Car Wreck, Remember...

  1. Do not leave the scene; wait for police.
  2. Get name, address, and insurance information from the other driver(s).
  3. Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
  4. Do not discuss wreck with anyone other than police; do not admit fault.
  5. Get needed medical attention.
  6. Focus on recovery; follow the doctor’s instructions, including followup.
  7. Do not give a statement to or discuss the case with any insurance person, especially from the other driver’s insurance company.
  8. Do not discuss speed, time, or distance information with anyone.
  9. Take pictures.
  10. If you are hurt, call us.

    11. - writers: Samuel C. Rumph, III, Malcolm G. Lindley

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