After a car accident, emotions are often running high. This can make it hard to think clearly and take the right steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. It's important to avoid mistakes that could be costly later on. Here are 5 mistakes people often make after a crash that should be avoided.
Not Staying Calm
It is not easy to remain calm and rational after an accident, but doing so makes the aftermath go more smoothly. Other drivers should be treated with the utmost courtesy, which means no arguing or blaming. When the police arrive on the scene, all questions should be answered with facts and not opinions. Most importantly, Winter Haven accident attorneys advise to not admit fault directly after the event.
Not Seeking Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine just after the accident, it's important to still get looked at by a doctor. Some accident-related injuries don't show up for a few hours or even days. If an ambulance is called to the seen, let them check you over. If not, go to the ER and have a doctor evaluate and document all injuries related to the crash and keep a record of any money you have to spend on treatment. If you refuse treatment and injuries come up later, it can be detrimental to any legal claim you may have to file.
Not Documenting the Accident
Most everyone has a cell phone with a camera on it these days. You can use it to quickly and easily take pictures of the crash scene, including the damage to vehicles, injuries to anyone involved, skid marks, etc. Document the names of drivers, passengers and witnesses, as well as their contact information.
Accepting a Quick Settlement
The goal of most insurance adjusters is to settle a case as fast as possible and protect the company's interests. First offers of settlement are often too low and should never be accepted without consulting the experienced Winter Haven accident attorneys.
Good legal advice can help you avoid signing away the right to proper compensation from an insurance company. In fact, you should speak with an attorney before speaking with the other driver's insurer. It's important to note, though, that you SHOULD report the accident to your insurance company right away, whether your vehicle damage exceeds your deductible or not.
Not Getting Legal Help
By far, the biggest mistake a person can make after a car accident is not hiring a lawyer. An accident attorney will review the case, outline options and determine if any further action should be taken. Most law firms offer free initial consultations and do not charge fees unless the case settles in the client's favor.
Not Staying Calm
It is not easy to remain calm and rational after an accident, but doing so makes the aftermath go more smoothly. Other drivers should be treated with the utmost courtesy, which means no arguing or blaming. When the police arrive on the scene, all questions should be answered with facts and not opinions. Most importantly, Winter Haven accident attorneys advise to not admit fault directly after the event.
Not Seeking Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine just after the accident, it's important to still get looked at by a doctor. Some accident-related injuries don't show up for a few hours or even days. If an ambulance is called to the seen, let them check you over. If not, go to the ER and have a doctor evaluate and document all injuries related to the crash and keep a record of any money you have to spend on treatment. If you refuse treatment and injuries come up later, it can be detrimental to any legal claim you may have to file.
Not Documenting the Accident
Most everyone has a cell phone with a camera on it these days. You can use it to quickly and easily take pictures of the crash scene, including the damage to vehicles, injuries to anyone involved, skid marks, etc. Document the names of drivers, passengers and witnesses, as well as their contact information.
Accepting a Quick Settlement
The goal of most insurance adjusters is to settle a case as fast as possible and protect the company's interests. First offers of settlement are often too low and should never be accepted without consulting the experienced Winter Haven accident attorneys.
Good legal advice can help you avoid signing away the right to proper compensation from an insurance company. In fact, you should speak with an attorney before speaking with the other driver's insurer. It's important to note, though, that you SHOULD report the accident to your insurance company right away, whether your vehicle damage exceeds your deductible or not.
Not Getting Legal Help
By far, the biggest mistake a person can make after a car accident is not hiring a lawyer. An accident attorney will review the case, outline options and determine if any further action should be taken. Most law firms offer free initial consultations and do not charge fees unless the case settles in the client's favor.
About the Author:
If you need assistance with an auto accident claim, Winter Haven accident lawyers at Rivas Law Group are ready to help. Don't delay contacting a Winter Haven auto accident attorney, as this can lower your odds of receiving the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
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