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The aftermath of a car accident can send anyone into a panic—and when people panic, they tend to act without thinking logically about potential consequences. If you’ve been involved in a collision, you must remain calm and brush up on the do’s and don’ts after a car accident.
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Let’s take a look at what you should do (and definitely not do) following a car crash in New Mexico.
First things first: call the police immediately, regardless of the accident’s severity. Having an official police report can provide crucial documentation for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries are minor, you should always seek medical treatment as soon as you can.
Some injuries might not be apparent right away and could lead to a life-threatening situation if not addressed quickly. Plus, you should collect and present all accident-related medical documents to your attorney and insurance provider.
Always exchange contact information with the other driver, no matter how small the accident was. This means gathering information like their license plate number, insurance details, and vehicle info. Remember to get the phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the crash occur.
Witnesses can provide vital information regarding your car accident. The drivers involved in car accidents can’t see the full scope of the accident. Witnesses like surrounding drivers or pedestrians can give a jury valuable insight into the crash seen from a distance.
If you’ve been injured in the accident, make sure to save the evidence. This means documenting the accident thoroughly, which involves taking pictures. Doing so will only help your case if legal action is taken. Evidence is one of the best ways we help you secure maximum compensation for your damages.
Representing yourself in a car crash case is never a good idea. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side makes a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Shapiro Law Team has recovered millions of dollars in settlements, ensuring that our clients get the compensation they deserve.
If you don’t report your accident to the authorities, eyebrows will be raised by your insurance company. Report your accident as soon as possible to avoid any hiccups or problems. Not reporting your case could cost you thousands in well-deserved compensation.
It’s easy to panic after an accident. Exposure to something traumatic like a car accident releases stress hormones, sending your body into fight or flight. This automatic reaction to pain or stress can cause you to make rash decisions that could cost you down the road. We know it’s easier said than done, but try to remain calm post-collision, and wait for the police to clear you from the scene.
Do not leave the scene of the accident, especially if you’re the at-fault driver. If you’re the one who caused the accident and you leave, you’ll be charged with a hit-and-run violation. If you’re the driver who got hit, call the police and stay on the scene. Remember to take a deep breath and gather as much evidence as possible.
Avoid signing any documents, especially those from the other driver’s insurance company. You are not obligated to sign anything. These documents could contain language that may affect your compensation. Consult the help of an experienced car accident attorney to navigate the legal complexities of car crashes in New Mexico. Shapiro Law Team offers free, confidential consultations to get the ball rolling.
Never give a recorded statement, especially if the other driver’s insurance company is asking for it. Insurance companies are conniving and hope you say something that they could hold against you. This benefits them but can be detrimental to your case. Say nothing until you have an expert lawyer on your side.
We understand that the aftermath of an accident is tiresome, and it might be tempting to settle early. We’re here to tell you that you shouldn’t settle until all of your economic and non-economic damages have been covered. Settling early could mean that ongoing or future medical treatment won’t be fully compensated for.
It’s important to act fast after a car accident. This is due to New Mexico’s time frame for car accident cases. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for car crashes is two years from the date of the accident. Avoid the risk of losing out on representation and compensation—call for a free consultation from an experienced car crash attorney.
Never accept the blame for the accident—even if it was your fault. Admitting fault can be used against you. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be seen as admitting fault in the eyes of the other party’s insurance company.
Finally, you should avoid using social media until your case is resolved and you’ve been compensated. Even though you might want to post or vent about the accident on social media, insurance companies can and will snoop on your accounts to find anything they can use against you.
If you need car accident advice in New Mexico, call Shapiro Law Team. Our legal professionals are well-versed in handling some of Albuquerque’s toughest car accident cases. Get the representation and compensation you rightfully deserve by requesting a free consultation.