Did you know that there are 2 million drivers in car accidents involved in constant injuries each year? These wrecks can range from fender benders to full-on collisions that leave drivers injured and cars damaged.
If you’re unlucky enough to experience a car accident, knowing how to move forward is tough, even if it wasn’t your fault. You wouldn’t be the first person to get swept up in the stress and chaotic aftermath of a car accident and make mistakes along the way.
Instead of encountering unforeseen car accident case mistakes, avoid the errors that attorneys have seen countless times before making sure your case is dealt with efficiently as possible.
So, what are some of the most common car accident case mistakes and how can you avoid them?
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1. Not Hiring An Attorney
Many people think they can save money by handling their case or that the insurance company will take care of everything. Yet, this is not always the case.
An experienced car accident attorney can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, and can help you navigate the often confusing legal process. Without an attorney, you may make mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars.
So, if you get involved in a car accident, be sure to hire Sycamore Accident Lawyers as soon as possible.
2. Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you don’t feel you’ve been injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Sometimes injuries, such as whiplash, can take days or even weeks to manifest. If you wait too long to seek treatment, it’s difficult to show medical records that you have a car accident injury.
Also, you could miss out on critical treatment and may even have your insurance company deny your claim. Do not wait to see if the other driver is insured before seeking medical attention. This can often delay treatment and may even make your injuries worse.
3. Signing Any Releases or Waivers
One of the worst things that can happen after an accident is you end up signing any releases or waivers. This can waive your right to sue or get any car accident compensation. So, it is important to avoid signing any releases or waivers.
Even if the other party’s insurance company seems trustworthy, they may look to take advantage of you. Also, If the other party tries to get you to sign something, make sure that you read it and understand it before you sign it.
4. Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
There are common mistakes people make when talking with the other driver’s insurance company after a car accident. Many people give a recorded statement without realizing that anything they say can be used against them later. It’s important to be honest, but you should avoid giving any information that could place blame on you.
It’s also crucial to know the limits of your coverage and not to agree to anything that would leave you responsible for damages. Be sure to get everything in writing before agreeing to anything.
You can avoid this kind of mistake by not giving a recorded statement to the other insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Also, be aware of the Insurance Company’s tactics. The insurance company is not your friend and is looking out for their interests, not yours.
5. Failing to Gather Enough Evidence
In a car accident case, one of the most common mistakes is not gathering enough evidence. This can be a costly mistake, as it can mean the difference between winning and losing your case. There are a few things you can take to ensure you have enough evidence to win your case.
Take photos of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your vehicle. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Also, make sure to get a copy of the police report.
Keep a record of any lost wages if you are unable to work because of the accident. If you do not have enough evidence, your case may not be strong enough to win in court.
6. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Waiting too long when filing car accident claims can be a costly mistake. With this, the longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will disappear and witnesses will forget what happened. Besides, your injuries will heal and you’ll be able to return to work, which will reduce the amount of money you will compensate.
There are things you can do to avoid not waiting too long to file your claim. You should know the deadline for filing a claim in your province. Then, don’t let the insurance company pressure you into filing a claim. If you’re not sure whether you should file a claim, talking to your lawyer or another professional is a good option.
7. Accepting a Low Settlement Offer
There are reasons why you may need to take a low settlement offer from an insurance company. You have mounting medical bills and need the money to help pay for treatment.
Maybe they are out of work and their financial situation is dire. Or, they may believe that the insurance company’s low offer is the best they are going to get.
Whatever the reason, car accident victims should not be accepting a low settlement offer. A low settlement offer is usually a sign that the insurance company doesn’t think your case is worth very much.
If you accept a low offer, you’ll likely end up with less money than you need to cover your damages. Instead, hold out for a fair settlement that will fully compensate you for your losses.
Do Not Allow These Car Accident Case Mistakes
If you’ve been in a car accident, there are some common mistakes you can make that can jeopardize your case. These include not seeking medical attention right away, not gathering enough evidence, and waiting too long to file a claim. Also, never give any statements, sign waivers, or accept low settlements from other driver’s insurance companies.
Make sure you avoid these car accident case mistakes by working with an experienced attorney who can help you win the compensation you deserve.
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