Car accidents can have serious and life-altering consequences. But it’s not just the accident that can affect your future. It’s also what you do right after the accident. Avoiding common mistakes can help protect you personally and financially, so you can move past the accident and receive fair compensation for the negligence of another person if you file a car accident lawsuit.
Here are five of the most common mistakes people make after their car accidents.
1. Admitting to Guilt
It’s common to want to apologize after an accident, especially if someone else was hurt. But it’s very important that you don’t apologize or say anything that could be taken as an admission of guilt. That could be used against you during your car accident lawsuit, even if the other party was at fault. It’s best to say nothing, and only interact with the other party through a car accident attorney.
2. Not Involving the Police
It’s always a good idea to contact the police after a car accident. They may collect information that you can’t or don’t have access to. They can investigate more fully than you can, and they’ll create a report that you can take to your car accident lawyer, too. If you avoid contacting the police, the insurance company is likely going to wonder what you’re trying to hide.
3. Trusting the Insurance Company’s Word
Depending on who’s considered at fault and which insurance company you’re talking to, you might be getting information that’s not completely accurate. Don’t just take the word of the insurance company as being absolute truth. It could be very inaccurate. You shouldn’t be afraid to push back and ask questions, along with working with your attorney to have a strong advocate on your side.
4. Not Getting Medical Care
Even if you don’t seem seriously injured, there could be issues that aren’t showing up right away. Going to the doctor and getting a full checkup is important. You also want to have any recommended tests, along with follow-up care. That can help you find problems before they become more serious, and also give you evidence to provide to your car accident attorney.
5. Settling for Less Than They Deserve
Among the biggest mistakes after a car accident is settling too quickly. If the other party is at fault, their insurance company will likely want to settle with you, so you can’t pursue any further action against them. Insurance companies realize that’s less expensive, and they’ll offer you a settlement that’s lower than what you actually deserve.
Don’t take the first settlement offered to you by an insurance company. In fact, don’t sign anything they send you before you work with a car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to much more compensation than the insurance company is offering, and you want to get what’s fair and just in your case.
Reach out to us at Coulter Harsh Law today and get the support and information you need for your car accident lawsuit.
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