Just got in a car accident?
10 Common Mistakes you should Avoid
Don’t:
Leave the scene.
If you flee from an accident, you are committing a crime and may be charged with a hit and run. Immediately pull over to the safest point on the road to check in with the other party.
Let your emotions control you.
You may be running on adrenaline after an accident, and it may be tempting to react towards the other party in a way you might regret later.
Any negative interaction may come against you in your claim.
Keep calm and prioritize all parties’ wellbeing. The rest can be handled later with the help of an attorney.
Post about your accident on social media
Although it’s important to let your friends and family know you’re okay, what you post on social media can be seen by insurance companies and the other party and may be used against you.
Think the accident wasn’t severe enough to call the police.
A police report is one of the most crucial documents that will aid your claim. An officer will record a write-up of the accident, which will serve as an official documentation in your case.
Fail to document and take pictures of the accident.
Be sure to include any damages to your car, other parties’ car, and location where the collision occurred.
Note the time, date, weather condition and the other parties’ information: name, license plate, driver’s license number, etc.
Proper documentation will help you and your lawyer establish a strong claim.
Fail to document and take pictures of your injuries.
The days and months after your accident may be overwhelming as you get the treatment you need.
Noting down your injuries and taking a few minutes out of your day to write down how you feel/ if anything has changed since the accident will greatly help you get the proper treatment and compensation you deserve for your injury.
Delay medical treatment.
Not all injuries after a car accident will show up immediately after the impact.
It may be weeks and months after the incident that you still feel physical, mental, and emotional trauma.
Reach out for help and get treated early.
Make conclusory statements about your physical state immediately after the accident.
It often takes hours, or even days, to fully gauge what injuries, if any, you have as a result of the accident. Avoid making statements that you’re “okay” until you’ve taken enough time to come down from the adrenaline rush and can fully assess any injuries.
Admit fault.
Other parties may file suit against you, and you may not get the proper compensation by your insurance provider
Give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance carrier without consulting an attorney.
Insurance companies will do what they can to give you a low pay out. Everything you say may be used against you. To protect yourself and get the maximum recovery, let Evans Law Group help you.
Accidents happen when you least expect it. Knowing what to do – and what not to do – will greatly help you in obtaining the recovery you need from insurance companies. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to get the compensation you need and deserve.
With Evans Law Group, you’ll get direct access to an experienced legal team with over 50 years of combined experience, ready to help you obtain the recovery you need and deserve. Call (404) 841-9400 today to get a free consultation.
*This is not a legal advice. The contents of this post is intended for informational and educational purposes only, not to provide legal advice or opinions. Evans Law Group is dedicated to help you get the maximum recovery for your case. We're an experienced legal team with over 50 years of combined experience representing injured individuals, having obtained millions of dollars in settlements for our clients each year.