A car accident is a sudden, traumatic event that has a large impact on the lives of those involved. It can be very difficult to think clearly immediately afterward, but taking the correct actions right away can make all the difference in the long term. Five common mistakes to avoid after an accident are outlined below.
Getting Angry
Of course being upset after a traumatic event is a natural reaction, but it's best to remain as calm as possible. Treat other drivers and passengers involved politely, and avoid confrontation and blaming. Questions by police officers should be answers with basic statements of fact, not opinions. Winter Haven accident attorneys strongly recommend that you not make apologies or admit fault in any way.
Not Accepting Medical Care
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 Taking Notes and Pictures
Using your cell phone camera is a quick and easy way to document your accident. You can snap shots of the vehicles' positions, damage, skid marks, roadway damage (guardrails and signs, etc.), as well as injuries to passengers and drivers. It's also important to write down the names and contact information of everyone involved and any witnesses.
Quickly Taking A Settlement Offer
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.
Having the right legal advice will help you avoid signing away your right to fair and reasonable compensation for your accident. In fact, you should discuss your claim with a lawyer before ever speaking to the other driver's insurance company. However, it's also important to note that the accident should be reported to your own insurance company right away, even if your deductible will not be exceeded by the damages to your car.
Refusing Legal Advice
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after an automobile crash is not consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer. Having an attorney on your side means having someone who knows the law to review your case and determine your legal options. Initial consultations are typically free of charge. In fact, you will not pay anything unless the case is settled in your favor or won in court.
Getting Angry
Of course being upset after a traumatic event is a natural reaction, but it's best to remain as calm as possible. Treat other drivers and passengers involved politely, and avoid confrontation and blaming. Questions by police officers should be answers with basic statements of fact, not opinions. Winter Haven accident attorneys strongly recommend that you not make apologies or admit fault in any way.
Not Accepting Medical Care
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 Taking Notes and Pictures
Using your cell phone camera is a quick and easy way to document your accident. You can snap shots of the vehicles' positions, damage, skid marks, roadway damage (guardrails and signs, etc.), as well as injuries to passengers and drivers. It's also important to write down the names and contact information of everyone involved and any witnesses.
Quickly Taking A Settlement Offer
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.
Having the right legal advice will help you avoid signing away your right to fair and reasonable compensation for your accident. In fact, you should discuss your claim with a lawyer before ever speaking to the other driver's insurance company. However, it's also important to note that the accident should be reported to your own insurance company right away, even if your deductible will not be exceeded by the damages to your car.
Refusing Legal Advice
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after an automobile crash is not consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer. Having an attorney on your side means having someone who knows the law to review your case and determine your legal options. Initial consultations are typically free of charge. In fact, you will not pay anything unless the case is settled in your favor or won in court.
About the Author:
If you need assistance with an auto accident claim, Personal Injury attorneys in Winter Haven 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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