Being involved in a car accident can dramatically change your life, especially if you are injured in the crash. How you react and the actions that you take in the days and weeks following the accident can make a big difference in what type of settlement you receive from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Unfortunately, a lot of people make a number of common mistakes after a car accident. If you're involved in a car accident that was not your fault, avoid these mistakes.
1. Talking to the Insurance Company
One thing people fail to realize is the fact that the other driver's insurance company does not have the accident victim's best interest in mind. Representatives from an insurance company and claims adjusters may be very polite, but in the long run, insurance companies want to pay out as little money as possible so they can maximize profits. After you're in a car accident, the best thing you can do is avoid speaking to anyone from the insurance company directly to ensure that your statement about the accident is not twisted and used against you.
2. Not Hiring an Attorney
After being involved in a car accident that was not your fault, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not hiring an attorney. Many people don't hire a car collision attorney because they assume that they can't afford to do so. In reality, the majority of car collision attorneys do not require any money out of pocket; their fees come out of the settlement. Having an attorney will assume that you have an experienced legal professional looking out for your best interests and working hard on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
3. Forgetting to Document Evidence
It is always a good idea to have as much evidence as possible when a settlement is being negotiated. It is very helpful to have photos from the accident scene. If that is not possible, take numerous photos showing the damage to your vehicle. It is also important to take photos of any visible injuries you may have.
4. Failure to Get Medical Care
Immediately after a car accident, you may not feel injured. But, most people notice injuries in the days following a car accident. If you are ever injured in a car accident, you should always seek immediate medical care. In addition to playing a major role in your recovery, getting medical care also ensures that there are records of the types of injuries you sustained and how they were treated. These medical records will be used as evidence when your attorney negotiates a settlement.