Being in a car accident can be distressing and chaotic. You might be in shock at first before feeling a number of different emotions, such as agitation, confusion, or even anger. Due to the rush of adrenaline, many drivers take actions that they end up regretting. This article will show you common mistakes people make after car accidents and how to avoid them.
Not Seeking Legal Help
If you have been involved in a car crash, you should definitely seek legal help. This is especially crucial if you or the other party sustained an injury. If you fail to do this early, you could ruin your chances of securing the compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages. According to Casey Law Offices, a Milwaukee car accident attorney, ” A lawyer can help safeguard essential evidence related to the incident, preventing it from being lost or diminished over time. “
Also, with the help of an experienced attorney, you can navigate the legal time limits that apply to launching a claim against the other driver. And it would be much easier to fulfill the complex filing requirements for car accident claims and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. If you miss those deadlines your case could be dismissed, denying you the compensation you would otherwise be entitled to for your injuries.
Not Notifying the Police
It is important to call the police after an accident. When they arrive at the scene, police officers can obtain valuable evidence. Although they aren’t there to help you build your case, their report might be just what you need to launch your claim for compensation.
Since law enforcement officers record exactly what they see at the scene, track down witnesses, and take photographs, they often have evidence that no one else has. Depending on the severity of the damage, you could be charged for fleeing the scene if you fail to alert local authorities after a crash.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Don’t make the mistake of skipping the doctor after an accident. Even if you feel alright, go to a doctor to verify and document your injuries. Your medical report will enable you to get a fair settlement in a personal injury claim.
Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, may not be obvious at the scene. Their effects can show up days or weeks after the crash and significantly impact your life. So, head to the emergency room after a collision, even if there is no emergency response at the crash scene.
Not Notifying Your Insurance Company
Some drivers make the mistake of not notifying their insurers after car crashes simply because they think the damage was minor. This is not the best action to take. Ensure you report all accidents to your insurance company regardless of the extent of damage. You don’t want them to learn about the incident after the other driver’s insurance company contacts them to negotiate the claim.
Remember to treat accidents on private property, such as parking lots, the same as those that occur on the road. Assess the situation and notify your insurer. Bear in mind that your insurance rates may go up if you’re found to be responsible for the accident. This is regardless of whether you pay for the damages on your own.
Not Collecting Details of the Crash
After a car crash, you want to collect as much information about the scene as possible. Take photos of your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle so that you have photographic proof for making a claim or filing a lawsuit if need be. Record as much detail as possible of the circumstances surrounding the crash while it is still fresh so that you can provide the police with accurate details.
Also, the details of the other driver’s insurance company must be collected. Some people make the mistake of not collecting the other driver’s information following a crash, but if you don’t exchange information, it will be challenging to put in your claim. You would also have no one to sue if you deserve compensation for an injury. If there are witnesses, try to get their names, phone numbers, and their accounts of what happened.
Admitting Fault
If an accident occurs when you’re in a rush to meet up for an appointment, you may think that apologizing to the other driver will help you settle things as quickly as possible. But saying “I’m sorry” is not advisable after a car accident because it would mean admitting guilt. Your innocent comment can be used against you during insurance investigations and in court as acceptance of fault, putting you in financial jeopardy if the other party was injured during the crash. In such a case, you may be required to pay for the other party’s medical expenses and vehicle damage.
Even if you think you may have been partly responsible for the accident, it may not be the case. The crash could have occurred due to various factors, such as the actions of other drivers, weather, or road conditions. The details may be unclear immediately after the incident occurs, and your emotions could cloud your judgment. So, don’t ruin your case by apologizing prematurely.
Posting on Social Media
Many people love sharing their life experiences, whether traumatic or blissful, with their social circles on social media. However, sharing information about a car crash on social networks is never a good idea. While this may seem harmless, it can be disastrous for your personal injury claim and ruin your chances of recovering compensation for losses.
You may not know this, but some insurance companies check the social media accounts of claimants in search of comments, pictures, or posts that they can use against them. The details of personal injury claims should be confidential, and if made public by sharing them on social media, the confidentiality clause is severed.
Taking the First Offer
Don’t take the insurance company’s first offer simply because you want to resolve the case as quickly as possible. The other side will likely offer a fair settlement when they believe you are serious about taking your case to court if they don’t do better. So, you must build your case in order to convince them that you deserve more than they are offering.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
