There are many people who get in car accidents and don't have a personal injury lawsuit filed. There are others though, you end up having to file a lawsuit to get the money that they deserve. It is important that you protect yourself on both ends. You don't want to have to file a lawsuit if you don't have to, and you don't want a suit filed against you. This is why it is important to learn how to protect yourself in any case. Here are some things you should know: 

1. Never Admit Fault

First and foremost when you get in a car accident, don't ever admit that you caused it. Even if you think that you might have been the reason for the accident, it is better to hold back, because when you do admit that you caused the accident, you become liable for it. You can say your sorry that the accident happened, but don't make up reasons why it happened. For instance, people might say "I was just checking my phone for one second and then BOOM" or "I turned around to check on the baby and then I hit that car" all of these statements admit that you were distracted and that you were the person at fault.

2. Always Go Through Insurance First

After an accident you need to go through your insurance or the other persons insurance before you pursue a lawsuit. In many cases you can be able to resolve everything that you need to just by filing a claim through your insurance. In some cases the insurance will help pay for rental cars, the damage for the car, and even medical expenses. However, in other cases the insurance company may not be easy to work with. In these cases, you might want to consult an attorney about filing a lawsuit. At the very least they can write a demand letter to let the insurance company know you are serious. In many cases, the lawsuit will be against the insurance company rather than the person themselves.

3. Make Sure To Involve The Police

Whenever you get in a car accident you need to consult the police. Even if you think you can handle it, you need to let the police come so that there can be an official record. This record will really help you if you do need to get strict with the insurance or the other party about paying out for the accident.

By doing these things, you can protect yourself if you are in a car accident. Contact a personal injury attorney for more information and assistance.