Accidents are an unfortunate and common occurrence. Many car owners usually don't know how to react after being involved in an incident. Sometimes, the body might not be in the right state for you to take proper action. The shock of undergoing such a traumatic event can also lead you to make the wrong decisions.
Following the proper steps can help you secure rightful compensation from your insurance company. It also exempts you from adverse legal consequences. Here are the mistakes you need to avoid after an accident.
1. Leaving the accident scene hurriedly
Do you know that it's illegal to leave an accident scene without giving your account, especially if you caused the accident? It's vital to provide your account to the police and other relevant authorities before leaving. Failing to do this gives the impression that you're guilty, whereas it might be the other party's mistake that caused the mishap.
If you're injured, try getting as much information about who hurt you. Ensure that you get their name, contact, and insurance information. These are crucial when filing for a claim from your insurer.
2. Settling the matter out of court
Due to the stress associated with car accidents, many victims feel the urge to settle the matter out of court. It doesn't help that legal proceedings are lengthy and expensive. Insurance companies know this and often look to capitalize on it to reduce how much they compensate accident victims.
Besides hurting your mental wellness, accidents can drain your finances. Regardless, this shouldn't compel you to accept a quick settlement. In most cases, insurance companies offer an amount much lower than you deserve. Even if you reject a verbal offer, the insurer might send you a check, hoping that you'll cash it. If you do, your case is over.
After an accident, consult a car accident attorney like the Law Office of John W. Redmann. They will assess the facts of your case and help you determine the amount of compensation you deserve. If you choose a settlement, they'll guide you through the process.
3. Failing to get medical attention
The impact of car accidents can cause severe damage to your body. It's advisable to seek medical attention, even if you don't have any visible injuries or don't feel any pain. Remember that internal bleeding can cause unconsciousness if it persists. Also, the symptoms of soft tissue injuries might take time to become apparent.
Accidents are traumatic, and you might need to see a mental health expert restore your wellness before resuming your regular activities. Overlooking your mental health can hurt other aspects of your life, such as productivity and social relationships.
Most people fail to seek medical assistance because of insurance and financial problems. If that's the case, seek alternative sources of money. The longer you stay without seeing a doctor, the stronger the case against your insurance claim will be. Your insurance company might argue that overlooking medical attention aggravated your condition.
4. Neglecting your doctor's orders
Seeking medical attention is only helpful if you follow the doctor's orders. Failing to adhere to the given instructions might be worse than failing to visit them.
For instance, your condition might worsen if you don't complete your dosage. You can also aggravate your illness by resuming smoking and drinking too soon after the accident. If your insurance company discovers this, you risk getting lower or no compensation.
5. Inconsistency
As mentioned earlier, the law obligates you to give a detailed account of the incident. You'll be required to give a statement to the police. Your insurance company will ask you to outline what happened before and during the incident. Curious friends and family will also want to hear from you. Regardless of whom you're responding to, emphasize consistency.
Your word choice has a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. Remember that your insurance company's lawyers will scrutinize the report you give them and compare it with your police statement. If there's any inconsistency, you diminish your chances of getting compensation.
The best way of ensuring consistency is by sticking to the facts. Be objective and avoid emotion. More importantly, don't guess. If you don't have the answer to a question, reply with no.
Endnote
Nothing is as frustrating as getting little or no compensation after being involved in an accident. Luckily, you can increase your chances of getting paid by avoiding the mistakes mentioned earlier. Whatever you do, ensure that you hire a car accident attorney.
