Immediately after your accident is the best time to hire a lawyer. You can wait until after you’ve taken the other driver’s information, after you’ve reported the accident to the police, and possibly after you’ve seen a doctor or received care at the emergency room – but definitely consult a lawyer before you talk to either insurance company.
Why get a lawyer so fast? Insurance companies will want to talk to you before you’re even aware of the extent of your injuries, and anything you say can be used against your case later on. You’ll receive phone calls from everyone connected to the accident, be asked to fill out forms right away, or even be asked to give a recorded statement.
All of these are potentially dangerous if you aren’t prepared, or are still reeling from getting hit. The day after the accident, you may not realize how injured you really are, but if you make a statement like “Oh, I feel fine” to an insurance adjuster, you’ve just damaged your case if you feel terrible the next day. Anything you say either at the scene, to the other drivers or to witnesses, and especially to the at-fault driver’s insurance company can be used against you. Let us help you protect yourself early on.
