While most drivers are careful and follow all regulations to the letter, accidents can happen at any time. Involvement in an accident can be scary and overwhelming. Most people don’t know how to react after an accident, resulting in mistakes made by the driver, which could create problems when trying to file an auto accident claim. Five common mistakes to avoid are listed below.
Failing to Call the Police
A lot of people forget while others choose not to call the police. Not involving the police could negatively affect their case when they decide to file one. Police work is necessary to assess the cause of the accident, the extent of damages and write an accident report which comes in handy for insurance purposes. A police report is critical as evidence that witnesses and the drivers have not provided false information.
Failing to Keep Your Mouth Shut
It’s common for people to admit fault especially if they were negligent. However, an admittance of fault could work against you in your attempts to collect damages for your injuries or vehicle that occurred in the accident. In some cases, you may be incorrect due to the shock and stress that arises immediately after the crash.
Failing to Document the Incident
In extreme cases you may not be in a position to document the incident, so it’s important to note things like the place of the accident, what exactly happened, the time of day, and more. If possible, take pictures of the scene, damage incurred, and any visible injuries. Your evidence of what happened protects your in the event of false claims.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention
If you are involved in a car accident, no matter how minor it seems, it’s essential to seek medical treatment. You may not feel pain or any numbness as these symptoms may take longer to present and can worsen if you don’t seek medical attention. Furthermore, if you are planning to file a car accident claim with a reputable legal firm like Attkisson Law Firm, a medical report is critical to ascertain the extent of your injuries.
Failing to Notify the Insurance Company
Many people miss out on recovering property damage and costs associated with seeking medical treatment because they failed to notify the insurance company. While contacting an insurance company should be one of your first priorities, it’s prudent first to consult a car accident attorney. This prevents you from making statements that can be used against you in regards to the accident.
Insurance companies may try to avoid paying anything and will try to prove that you violated the terms of your policy. While this may not always be the case, consulting a car accident attorney is the best way to ensure that things are resolved in your favor.
Failing to Contact a Car Accident Attorney
A car accident attorney may be able to help you seek legal redress if you or your loved one has been involved in an auto accident. Most attorneys offer free consultations and may take up your case on a contingency basis.
These are some of the mistakes you need to avoid if you have been involved in an auto accident. Avoiding them can get you a favorable settlement when you file a personal injury claim.