5 Ways to Protect Yourself in a Disputed Indiana Accident
Being in a car accident can be a devastating experience. However, most assume that the truth about the accident will come out, and the at-fault party will be held responsible. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. People aren’t always honest about the factors that caused a wreck, and this can leave you stuck with […]
February 11, 2015
Being in a car accident can be a devastating experience. However, most assume that the truth about the accident will come out, and the at-fault party will be held responsible. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. People aren’t always honest about the factors that caused a wreck, and this can leave you stuck with the bill. Don’t let this happen to you. Follow these five steps to ensure that you protect yourself in the event of a disputed Indiana accident.
Take Pictures
We’ve all heard this before, but with smartphone technology there really is no excuse not to document the scene of the crash. You don’t even have to get out of your car. According to a Yahoo news article you can, “just snap a few photos with your cell phone from your driver’s sear that clearly shows the area of impact from your vantage point.” After an accident cars may be moved, but by taking pictures from your point of view you can make sure you have the evidence you need in case the police report does not reflect the accident.
Talk to Yourself Before You Talk to the Police
You may find yourself waiting for some time before the police arrive at your accident. This is the perfect time for you to talk yourself through what you will say to the police. Yahoo suggest you record yourself so that you can play it back and make sure that your story makes sense. Sometimes in a panic it can be easy to forget that the police officer has no background knowledge of the accident. Remember that you have to explain the accident to someone who has no idea what happened. If you played your recording to someone over the phone and he or she could understand what happened in the accident then you know you are on the right track.
Going First Isn’t Always Better
Don’t worry if you aren’t the first person who speaks to the officer at the scene of the crash. Yahoo explains, “Police often see the guilty or anxious party come right up to the police cruiser as soon as they arrive at the scene of an accident.” Police are cautious of those who are to ready and willing to explain the situation. The best thing to do is to remain calm and allow the police officer to come to you. Let him or her ask questions and refer to your pictures and the debris on the road. If you are able to hear what the other person is saying don’t let it bother you if they are not being honest. Stay calm and explain your side of the story, and don’t worry if you go second.
Use Your Phone
In the world of smart phones everyone has a digital recorder at their fingertips. Don’t be afraid to record your conversation with the police officer. Yahoo notes that it isn’t illegal to do so, and “it can be helpful later if the statements on the police report aren’t the complete truth.”
Police Reports Aren’t Written in Stone
Many people aren’t aware that police reports can be changed, but if you find that you have been misquoted or the report doesn’t match the events of the accident you can get the report changed. You just need to contact the precinct and arrange a meeting with the police officer who made the report so that it can be modified.
If you are in an accident don’t assume that you can trust the other person to tell the truth. You need to protect yourself in the event that the facts get misconstrued. Follow the five steps outlined here to make sure your side of the story is told.
Don’t be afraid to contact an attorney following an accident –especially if you’ve been injured. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your options following an accident, and can make sure that you aren’t taken advantage of by the insurance company. Hensley Legal Group has been working to protect clients since 1998 and has the experience you need to get what you deserve. We offer free consultations and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we don’t get paid unless we get a settlement for you. Call us today at 1-888-436-7539 to discuss your claim. You can also reach us via the web. Fill out the ‘Get Help Now’ form and someone from our office will contact you to explain your options.