Statistics show that nearly six million car accidents occur in the United States every year. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to know what mistakes to avoid to protect yourself both legally and physically. This blog post will discuss some of the most common mistakes people make after a car crash and how to avoid them.
Making a statement to police officers
One of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident is making a statement to the police officers who respond to the scene. It’s important to avoid giving a statement to the police until you have had a chance to speak with an attorney. Anything you say to the police can be used against you in court and may jeopardize your case. In this case, a seasoned Philadelphia based car accident lawyer suggests that you first get in touch with a law firm that has experience handling these types of cases. Legal practitioners will be able to help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
In choosing a lawyer to represent you, it’s important to find someone who has experience handling car accident cases in your state. Each state has its unique laws and regulations surrounding car accidents and it’s important to have a lawyer who is familiar with the specific laws in your state. An experienced lawyer will also know how to negotiate with insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve.
Admitting fault
You must call your insurance company and report the accident, but you should avoid admitting fault when speaking to them. The insurance company will likely try to get you to say that the accident was your fault so that they can minimize their payout. If you have been injured in the accident, admitting fault could also jeopardize your personal injury claim. Again, it is important to speak with an attorney before giving any statements to the insurance company. The insurance providers often try to mislead people and understand the levers they need to pull to save themselves money. It is not uncommon for an insurance adjuster to persuade people to accept a lowball offer that does not nearly cover the costs of the damages they have suffered. Whereas a practiced car accident attorney will fight for your rights so that you may be entitled to more compensation than you realize. This way, you can be sure that you are not inadvertently admitting fault or jeopardizing your claim.
Even when speaking to the other party involved in the accident, you should avoid admitting fault. The other party may try to use your admission against you in court or when filing an insurance claim. As much as possible, you should let your attorney handle all communications with the other party. By doing so, you can avoid making any mistakes that could make you lose your case or get a lower settlement.
Failing to get medical attention
Another mistake people often make after a car accident is failing to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident. By getting a medical evaluation soon after the accident, you’ll be able to document your injuries and start on the road to recovery.
Not exchanging insurance information
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Failing to do so can make it difficult to file a claim and may even result in a hit-and-run charge. Be sure to get the other driver’s insurance company, policy number, and contact information. You should also take down their license plate number and the make, model, and color of their car. All of these details will be important when filing a claim.
Not taking pictures
If you’re able, you should take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well as any damage to your car or the other car involved. These pictures can be used as evidence in your case and may help prove who was at fault for the accident. Be sure to take pictures from different angles and distances to get a clear picture of the damage.
Being disorganized with your documents
As much as possible, you should try to keep all documents related to the accident in one place. This includes police reports, medical records, insurance information, and any correspondence with the other party or their insurance company. Police reports and medical records can be especially helpful when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit because these can document the extent of your injuries. Similarly, any correspondence with the other party or their insurance company can be used as evidence in your case.
In this case, you can use a simple folder or an online document storage system to keep track of everything. Make sure that your documents are dated and sorted according to type so that you can easily find what you’re looking for. By being organized and keeping track of your documents, you’ll be able to more easily follow the progress of your case and ensure that nothing gets lost.
Trying to handle everything yourself
When you are involved in a car accident, it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side. Trying to handle everything yourself can be overwhelming and may even jeopardize your case. An attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. This way, you will be able to focus on your recovery particularly if you have been injured and are not able to work.
You can also ask for help from family and friends to ease the burden. For instance, when it comes to your health, see if a close friend or family member can go with you to doctor’s appointments or even help around the house while you are recovering. In case you are not injured, but your vehicle has sustained damage, see if someone can help you with transportation while your car is being repaired. Keep in mind that trying to handle everything yourself can be stressful and may even delay your recovery or your claim.
These are just some of the mistakes to avoid after a car accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, be sure to contact an experienced attorney who can help you through the process and protect your rights. Rest assured that with a little bit of help, you’ll be on your way to getting this accident behind you.
