4 Common Mistakes When Making a Car Accident Claim
Posted on July 3rd, 2018 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
The hours and even minutes following a car accident can be not only discombobulating, they can be downright overwhelming. Chances are the possibility that you will have a car accident claim, is not likely to be at the forefront of your mind. It’s not uncommon for people facing a crisis situation to take steps that could be harmful to their claim. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can prevent complications from arising later on. If you have been injured in a car accident and believe you are entitled to damages, take advantage of the free consultation offered by many car accident attorneys.
- Call the police to the scene of the accident. This is a vital next step for a number of reasons. For starters, you will want to make sure that their is a record of the accident that outlines the event. The officer will likely talk to witnesses, assess the damage, and speak with each driver. Based on the information that is gathered, they are likely to determine who was at fault for the accident. The police report can make for a valuable piece of evidence when pursuing a claim with the insurance company.
- Not getting the other driver’s insurance information. This step can seem cumbersome, especially in minor accidents where you are just wanting to get on with your day. In some situations, people even decline to exchange information because they do not believe that the accident resulted in any damage. In the moments following an accident, your adrenaline will be pumping and stress levels are sure to be at an all time high. You never know if you will discover damage to your vehicle or delayed onset of pain from an injury you didn’t know you had.
- Failing to seek medical attention. This is perhaps one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Some people may believe that their pain will eventually go away or not present itself until later down the road. The longer you take to seek medical attention, the harder your case may be to prove. By being assessed by a doctor, you can prove that you were harmed from the accident. You will be able to obtain medical records that outline your injuries, diagnosis and treatment.
- Not contacting an attorney sooner. The earlier you consult with an attorney, the better chance you give yourself to start out on the right foot. They can review your case and help ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps to build a strong case. They can play a key role in negotiating with the insurance company surrounding your claim. This is vital, because insurance companies will attempt to assign some fault to you if they are able. You may not be fully prepared when speaking with them for the fact that they may attempt to try to get you to incriminate yourself for the accident.
When missteps are taken following a car accident, it could have an impact on the outcome of your case. The last thing you want to experience are complications due to problems in your case that you perpetuated. The earlier you consult with an experienced car accident lawyer residents trust, the clearer and more simplified the process can be.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
