After the sudden trauma of a car accident, most people find it difficult to think straight. In the immediate aftermath though, it's important to avoid doing several things that could harm your case if a lawsuit becomes necessary. Here are the top 5 mistakes that you should avoid after a car accident.
Not Staying Calm
Keeping your calm after a car crash is important, even though it may be difficult. Winter Haven accident attorneys strongly recommend that you avoid getting angry, arguing with the other driver, or placing blame. When you speak with the police, give only the facts of what happened, not opinions, and do not under any circumstances apologize or admit fault to anyone.
Not Accepting Medical Care
Even if you feel fine just after the accident, it's important to still get looked at by a doctor. Some accident-related injuries don't show up for a few hours or even days. If an ambulance is called to the seen, let them check you over. If not, go to the ER and have a doctor evaluate and document all injuries related to the crash and keep a record of any money you have to spend on treatment. If you refuse treatment and injuries come up later, it can be detrimental to any legal claim you may have to file.
Not Taking Notes and Pictures
Using your cell phone camera is a quick and easy way to document your accident. You can snap shots of the vehicles' positions, damage, skid marks, roadway damage (guardrails and signs, etc.), as well as injuries to passengers and drivers. It's also important to write down the names and contact information of everyone involved and any witnesses.
Quickly Taking A Settlement Offer
The goal of most insurance adjusters is to settle a case as fast as possible and protect the company's interests. First offers of settlement are often too low and should never be accepted without consulting the experienced Winter Haven accident attorneys.
Good legal advice can help you avoid signing away the right to proper compensation from an insurance company. In fact, you should speak with an attorney before speaking with the other driver's insurer. It's important to note, though, that you SHOULD report the accident to your insurance company right away, whether your vehicle damage exceeds your deductible or not.
Refusing Legal Advice
The worst mistake, and the easiest one to avoid, is not getting help from an attorney. Consultations are free, and an accident attorney can review your case, advise you about your legal rights, and help plot a course of action to achieve the best outcome possible for you.
Not Staying Calm
Keeping your calm after a car crash is important, even though it may be difficult. Winter Haven accident attorneys strongly recommend that you avoid getting angry, arguing with the other driver, or placing blame. When you speak with the police, give only the facts of what happened, not opinions, and do not under any circumstances apologize or admit fault to anyone.
Not Accepting Medical Care
Even if you feel fine just after the accident, it's important to still get looked at by a doctor. Some accident-related injuries don't show up for a few hours or even days. If an ambulance is called to the seen, let them check you over. If not, go to the ER and have a doctor evaluate and document all injuries related to the crash and keep a record of any money you have to spend on treatment. If you refuse treatment and injuries come up later, it can be detrimental to any legal claim you may have to file.
Not Taking Notes and Pictures
Using your cell phone camera is a quick and easy way to document your accident. You can snap shots of the vehicles' positions, damage, skid marks, roadway damage (guardrails and signs, etc.), as well as injuries to passengers and drivers. It's also important to write down the names and contact information of everyone involved and any witnesses.
Quickly Taking A Settlement Offer
The goal of most insurance adjusters is to settle a case as fast as possible and protect the company's interests. First offers of settlement are often too low and should never be accepted without consulting the experienced Winter Haven accident attorneys.
Good legal advice can help you avoid signing away the right to proper compensation from an insurance company. In fact, you should speak with an attorney before speaking with the other driver's insurer. It's important to note, though, that you SHOULD report the accident to your insurance company right away, whether your vehicle damage exceeds your deductible or not.
Refusing Legal Advice
The worst mistake, and the easiest one to avoid, is not getting help from an attorney. Consultations are free, and an accident attorney can review your case, advise you about your legal rights, and help plot a course of action to achieve the best outcome possible for you.
About the Author:
If you need assistance with an auto accident claim, accident attorneys in Winter Haven at Rivas Law Group are ready to help. Don't delay contacting a Winter Haven car accident lawyer, as this can lower your odds of receiving the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
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