A car accident is a devastating experience. You might feel shaken up and confused after an accident, which is normal. However, there are a few things you should avoid doing after a car accident. Here are five of the most common mistakes after a car accident.
Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene
Contact a personal injury lawyer if you have any questions about what evidence you should gather. After an accident, they can assist you in understanding your rights and options. DiamondInjuryLaw.com can help you receive compensation for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to take some time to gather evidence at the scene. This may be useful if you have to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit. Unfortunately, most people don’t take the time to do this, and it can come back to bite them later on. Here are a few things you should always try to collect after an accident:
Pictures of the damage to both vehicles
The other driver’s insurance information
Contact information for any witnesses
A police report (if one was filed)
Not Calling the Police
When something goes wrong, our first instinct is to try and fix the problem ourselves. But sometimes, the best course of action is to call the police. They will investigate the accident and notify your insurance company. If you don't call the police after an accident, you might be forced to pay for damages out of your pocket.
The police are trained to handle difficult situations, like car accidents.
The police have resources we don't, like access to information and documenting evidence.
The police can help keep us safe from further harm.
Admitting Fault
Sometimes, admitting fault can get you in serious trouble. Before you say whether or not you’re at fault, it is advised to consult your lawyer before making any statements. You may feel responsible for the accident even though you are not at fault, and it’s vital to not take responsibility as this could make you liable when you, in fact, are the injured party.
Before you say anything that points to fault, you need to contact your attorney, or find one that specializes in injury law.
Not Documenting Injuries
Documenting the injury as soon as you can is among the most crucial things you can do. You'd be surprised at how many people don't do this, even though it might seem obvious to do so.
Documentation protects you if your insurance provider tries to deny your claim. If you don’t have any documentation, it will be a lot harder to prove that the injury you sustained during the accident is legitimate. Insurance providers occasionally attempt to reject claims despite the evidence, but it is much simpler to fight back when you have supporting evidence.
Documentation helps ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you don't have any documentation, it’s possible that your claim will get denied. Documentation also helps make sure you get the right amount of money for your injuries.
Not Speaking to an Attorney
If you’re facing a legal issue, the worst thing you can do is try to deal with it on your own. Many people think they can save money by not hiring an attorney, but this often costs them more in the long run.
An attorney can help you:
Understand the law.
Know your rights.
Avoid making mistakes that could cost you time and money.
Resolve your legal issue without going to court.
Help guide you as you determine your damages.
Contact an Attorney Today
It is important to avoid these common mistakes in a car accident. Have you been injured in a car accident? If so, contact a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney, such as Ivan Diamond at Diamond Injury Law, and avoid the costly mistakes that can cause more injury to your case.
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