Car accidents are stressful, often chaotic events that can leave you feeling confused and shaken. While staying calm and collected after an accident may be easier said than done, avoiding common mistakes is crucial to protecting your rights.
In this blog, we will discuss the common errors after car accidents that people often make, and how you can avoid them to strengthen your case.
1. Failing to Call the Police
One of the biggest mistakes drivers make after an accident is not calling the police. Some people might think the accident is too minor to involve law enforcement, or they may believe that exchanging information with the other driver is enough. However, failing to call the police can hurt your case.
A police report is an official record of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your claim. Without it, the other driver may change their story, making it harder to prove fault. Always call the police, even if the accident seems minor. The report they file can become a crucial part of your legal case.
2. Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
Another one of the common errors after car accidents is neglecting to seek medical attention. Many people feel fine immediately after an accident, only to realize later that they’ve sustained injuries. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and certain injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, might not be apparent right away.
Failing to get checked out by a doctor could hurt your case in two ways. First, delaying medical treatment could allow injuries to worsen. Second, the insurance company might argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident since there is no immediate documentation. To protect your health and your legal case, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
3. Admitting Fault or Apologizing
In the moments following an accident, it is common for drivers to instinctively apologize or take the blame, even if they are not entirely at fault. Unfortunately, any admission of guilt, even a simple “I am sorry,” can be used against you later when trying to recover compensation.
It is important to avoid admitting fault or apologizing to anyone at the scene. Instead, focus on exchanging information and cooperating with the police. The determination of fault should be left to the investigators and legal professionals.
4. Not Gathering Evidence
In the chaos of an accident, many people forget to gather evidence, which can be a costly mistake. Even if the police are on the scene, it is vital to collect your own evidence.
Take contact information from witnesses. Their statements can be valuable later on when you are building your case. Skipping this step could leave you with little to support your version of events.
5. Speaking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice
Speaking to insurance companies without proper legal advice can be another one of the common errors after car accidents. Adjusters might seem friendly and helpful, but their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible.
They may ask you to give a recorded statement, and anything you say can be used to diminish your compensation. To avoid this, consult a car accident lawyer before speaking to the insurance company. Your attorney can handle communications on your behalf and ensure that you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your case.
6. Accepting a Quick Settlement
After an accident, you might be eager to put the experience behind you. The insurance company knows this and may offer a quick settlement. While it may be tempting to accept, doing so without fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages could result in inadequate compensation.
Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought. It is critical to speak with an attorney before accepting any offers to ensure you are being fairly compensated.
Final Thoughts
If you have been injured in a car accident, the legal team at Dream Team Law is here to help. We will work to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
For a consultation with a trusted medical malpractice attorney in Florida or to discuss your car accident claim, visit our website or reach out through our contact page. You can also learn more about how we handle car accident cases here.