Victims injured in preventable car accidents have the right to pursue compensation for their damages by filing a personal injury claim. Although working with an experienced attorney after a wreck can put you on the path toward the compensation you deserve, there are things you can do to strengthen your case and improve the likelihood of recovering full and fair compensation.
Should you ever find yourself involved in any type of traffic accident, remember that what you say and do can have an impact on your future claim, should you choose to file one. As such, it’s important to remain as calm as possible, seek the medical attention you need, and avoid a few common mistakes that could jeopardize your ability to recover financial compensation.
Here are 5 common errors to avoid after a crash:
- Not Calling Police – People often don’t want to get police involved, but having law enforcement attend to the scene of your accident can benefit your safety and your future claim. Law enforcement officers can ensure everyone is safe and abiding by the law, and can act as a neutral third party that documents what happened in a police report. Keep in mind that if you are discussing the accident with police or any witness, do not admit fault without first letting a qualified attorney investigate all circumstances.
- Waiting to Get Medical Treatment – You should always seek timely medical attention for your injuries or the injuries of your passengers. Not only can this ensure you and your loved ones are safe, it can help provide evidence that you suffered real injuries requiring treatment during a later case. Often, many victims will forgo medical attention thinking pain will go away. This may harm your claim and require you to explain why you waited to seek treatment, when you were suffering pain all along.
- Not Exchanging Info – It is very important to exchange all pertinent information with other drivers involved in the crash and any witnesses who may be present. Make it a point to exchange contact info, driver’s license information, and details about insurance. Having this info will be crucial in helping you file a claim at a later time.
- Forgetting to Collect Evidence – If you’re able to do so, after ensuring medical needs are attended to and police have been called, it is wise to collect what evidence you can. This includes taking pictures of the vehicles, the scene, and other elements involved in the crash.
- Trusting the Insurance Company – All too often, victims believe the insurance company is on their side and accept low-ball offers that don’t meet their needs. Remember, the insurance company is in business to collect premiums from policyholders, not to pay out claims. Don’t trust that the insurance company has your best interests in mind when considering settlement offers. Speak with an experienced lawyer first to make sure you’re being offered what you truly deserve.
You can play an active role in strengthening your car accident claim, but that’s always easier said than done, especially when you may be struggling with an injury and painful recovery. By working with an Austin car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., you can gain the support of proven legal advocates who can help you avoid common mistakes and position your claim to secure the maximum compensation possible.
To discuss your case, rights, and how our firm can help you, contact us for a free consultation!