If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, the last thing you’re thinking about is a lawsuit. Even if you don’t think a lawsuit is probable, it’s important to realize that many auto accident cases do end up in litigation.

According to Marc S. Sedwick, an experienced personal injury attorney licensed in Indiana and Kentucky who also worked in the insurance industry for many years, if that should happen, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of prevailing in a lawsuit. Here are some of the tips that he provided:

• Be honest. Be truthful to the police officer and tell the officer how the accident happened. Be truthful to your doctors about your injuries and to the investigating police officer as to how the accident happened. The last thing you want to do is make a statement that is not exactly forthcoming ad then have the statement come back to hurt you later in the case.
• Preserve evidence. Preserve every important piece of information about the accident including the name of the at-fault driver, obtain the name of the at-fault driver’s insurance company, be sure to write down the name of any and all witnesses that observed the accident and be sure to obtain and record anything else that even arguably relates back to the automobile accident which involves all of your medical treatment. Also, take photos of your vehicle and your injuries; this will be important to present your claim to the insurance company.
• Seek a lawyer. If either your vehicle or the at-fault driver’s vehicle is totaled due to the collision, immediately seek the services of a lawyer to preserve possible electronic data stored in either vehicle’s electronic data storage unit or for the attorney to retain the services of a professional accident reconstruction expert to present your claim to the insurance company or jury.
• Seek immediate medical attention. You might think that you are just bruised or banged up; however, many ‘no so apparent’ injuries are not detectible to the average person and require a medical professional’s assistance to determine whether you have actually been injured. Always tell the investigating police officer and your doctors when you are in pain and when you are not feeling well. Do not try to be tough or to ‘just deal with it’ because these professionals need to know exactly how you are feeling.
• Be cautious with your insurer. Do not agree to provide any recorded statements to an insurance adjuster without first talking with a lawyer. Do not try to immediately settle your claim until you know the extent of your injuries. In Indiana, an injured motorist has two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit. See how your injuries progress and only attempt to settle your claim until after you know the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies want you to try to quickly settle your claim so you do not hire a lawyer; be aware of this practice and do not do it!

If you’ve been in an auto accident and click here to speak with an experienced Indiana auto accident attorney whose practice focuses in this area of the law.