Unfortunately, automobile accidents are a daily occurrence. Regardless of how common accidents are, car crashes are still incredibly stressful and traumatic. Understandably, car accident victims often make mistakes after a collision, which can decrease the compensation they receive for their injuries. It is important to understand the major errors that auto accident victims regularly make, so that you do not make the same errors in the future.
Below are some major errors that people make after being involved in an auto accident.
Not Getting Medical Care Immediately After the Accident
A medical professional should examine you as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you do not feel hurt at first. Not getting timely medical care can have significant consequences—not only for your health, but for your lawsuit.
Health-wise, delaying or foregoing medical care can aggravate your injury and cause complications and enduring health problems.
Legally speaking, as more time passes between the accident and getting treatment, it is harder to prove that the auto accident caused your injuries. The opposing party may argue that the accident did not directly cause your injuries, and refuting this argument is much more difficult when there are no medical records immediately following the accident. This delay in treatment may reduce the amount of compensation you can recover for your injuries.
Failure to Document the Crash Site
You should take photographs at the crash site, including the roadway conditions, automobiles involved in the accident, and any noticeable wounds. You should also detail key facts, such as how the accident occurred and any witnesses’ contact information. This documentation functions as evidence in your auto accident lawsuit.
Without evidence to support your claim, it is much harder to prove that the other driver was to blame. Similarly, it is challenging to collect the compensation you deserve without this evidence. Indeed, if this evidence is missing, the opposing party may offer a smaller settlement because they know that you have a weak case.
Apologizing or Acknowledging Responsibility
The words you speak after an auto accident can have unintended legal consequences. It can be instinctive to want to apologize, but the opposing party can use your words against you. The opposition may argue that, by saying “sorry,” you admitted that you caused the accident.
After an accident, only share essential information, and do not say anything that another person could interpret as admitting fault. This can be tough, but doing so can help get the compensation you deserve.
Not Calling the Police
Sometimes, people think that an auto accident is not serious enough to call the police, so the parties merely exchange contact information with each other. However, you should contact the police whenever you get into a car accident.
Requesting police at the crash site ensures that an accident report is filed, which preserves crucial details of the collision. An accident report is key evidence that can help maximize your compensation.
Accepting a Rushed Settlement from an Insurance Company
Insurance companies often rush to settle claims soon after an auto accident for as little money as possible. When insurance companies offer these hasty settlements, an injured car accident victim typically does not know the extent of their injuries yet, and they may feel pressured to accept the settlement because they need the money to cover their accident-related expenses. Thus, these quick settlements usually undercompensate injured claimants.
We recommend speaking with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer before accepting any settlements. An attorney can inform you of your rights and help properly compensate you for your injuries.
Let Our Firm Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Understanding and avoiding the major errors that people make after auto accidents may increase the compensation you receive after a car crash. To further boost the probability of getting a higher award, you should hire a dedicated and experienced auto accident lawyer. Let our firm help you get the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. For a free case evaluation, call us anytime at 800-992-6878 or complete an online contact form.