5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Car Accident Claim
A car accident can leave you devastated, injured, and need to rebuild your life. It can also overwhelm you with medical bills, pain, and emotional trauma. But what about the legal part? Don’t worry! If a car accident has been your fault as a driver or passenger, you can collect it from the responsible party by filing a claim.
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5 Mistakes To Avoid When You File A Car Accident Claim
1. Failure to Call the Police
First and foremost, according to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, if you’ve been in an accident and the driver was negligent, you should always call the police. This is the first step in filing a claim. Suppose you are injured, and your car is damaged. In that case, the responsible party will likely deny responsibility for your damaged property or injuries, so bring the police officer to the accident site when they arrive. This way, the police officer can note the damage in the report. The responsible party will also have to pay for your medical bills and property damage.
2. Failure to Document the Accident Scene
If possible, you should take pictures of the accident scene right afterwards. This is the most important factor in determining fault and filing a claim, so document everything. Take photos of skid marks, damaged property, and traffic light damage if this is a factor. The more documentation you have of the accident scene, the more proof you have against the responsible party, who may try to deny your claims or blame someone else for your injuries.
3. Not Seeking Medical Care
You should always seek medical attention after a car accident, whether you believe your injuries are serious. If you have been hit in the head, face, or spine, seek immediate medical attention. If you need it, get an MRI and consult a doctor. Although your first instinct may be to avoid medical care out of fear of the cost of treatment, this is a mistake; car insurance companies will require that you have documentation of your injuries before compensating you for your losses. It is very important to seek medical treatment after an accident; you should consider this when filing a claim.
4. Inability to Hire an Experienced Attorney
Do not attempt to handle your claim on your own. You will need an experienced car accident attorney by your side, especially if the accident was not your fault. You will have to deal with insurance companies, medical bills, and more, so you will need someone in your corner who can handle everything on your behalf. You should hire an attorney with experience with car accident claims like the one you are trying to file.
5. Failure to Go After Compensation for Your Losses and Injuries
You have rights under the law and deserve compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other personal losses. To get the money you deserve, immediately file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. Failure to do so is a huge mistake that can result in your not receiving any money. You will want to consider this when making your decision about whether or not to file a claim.
In conclusion, car accident mistakes can be costly. Be sure to have accurate documentation of the accident scene and your injuries and medical records before you consult a lawyer.
Do you want to know about different types of visas? Check out our other articles.
