Car crashes are on the rise. Stats show that millions are injured from car crashes on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands end up dying from these crashes. If you are lucky to be alive, thank God. However, life is going to take another route. You will have to live with these injuries. That’s why you should apply for the best compensation. Unfortunately, people make mistakes after a car accident. These mistakes end up costing them. Avoid the following mistakes after a traffic accident.
Don’t Leave the Accident Scene
Don’t leave the accident scene. According to the law, anyone who gets involved in a car accident should remain at the scene until the relevant authorities arrive. This doesn’t only apply to you- it also applies to the other driver. If you don’t comply with the laws, you might end up getting convicted for a felony or misdemeanor.
Don’t Admit Fault
Even if you feel like you’re partly at fault for the accident, don’t admit it. An innocuous sorry could easily be interpreted as an admission of fault. And this could jeopardize your legitimacy to file for a personal injury claim with Accident.com. So, always desist from admitting fault.
Remember, insurance companies are in business. They’ll therefore do everything in their capacity to waive your rights to compensation. If they find out that you’ve apologized to the other driver, then be sure that they’ll use that against you.
Don’t Fail to Inform the Police
No matter how minor the damages are, you need to contact the police. When they arrive at the accident scene, the police will pick up valuable clues and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation.
Make sure that you record the officer’s name and contacts for your record. And if possible, check the officer’s report for potential errors. Due to their busy schedules, police officers can sometimes make costly mistakes.
Don’t Forget TO Document the Accident Scene
While it’s normal to feel confused at this point, it’s important to record crucial details about the accident. And this is particularly important if you’re planning to pursue a personal injury claim.
Gathering enough evidence will cushion you from fabricated allegations. Plus, it’ll improve your chances of filing a successful claim against the at-fault driver. Make sure that you take photographs of your injuries, skid marks, the condition of your vehicle, broken glass, as well as, the placement of all vehicles involved in the accident.
Photographic evidence will make it easier for you to explain the mechanics of the accident. You may also want to consider taking videos of crashes and recording the names plus contact details of various witnesses.
Don’t Fail to See a Doctor
Visit a doctor immediately. Regardless of how minor or severe your injuries are, be sure to get medical treatment. Adrenaline can prevent you from realizing how serious your car injuries are. Brain hemorrhage, concussion, and internal bleeding might not become apparent immediately after the accident. But they can cause life-threatening effects . Concussions are highly serious brain injuries that can happen after a collision with the head. To limit your chance of getting one, get in touch with Complete Concussions for evidence-based concussion management training.
Not Documenting All the Expenses
Of course, the recovery process can be tough. In most cases, your memory might fade. However, it's important to track your injuries. In particular, noting down all the expenses is an important step you shouldn’t forget. From hospital bills to car hire fees, you should have all the records ready. The following tips and tricks will help you track your injuries:
Keep all receipts—In most cases, the judge will want to prove that you spent money on medical expenses. The only way to prove this is by providing genuine and certified receipts. That’s why you are advised to keep all the recipes. From medical bills to the money spend on purchasing supportive equipment, it’s important to document receipts. They will make your case stronger. Thus, not keeping receipts is a mistake. It will weaken your case.
Document expenses—Consider keeping track of any lost wages. When applying for compensation, you will be required to show proof that you lost wages. Keeping track of expenses will help you prove this. For instance, you will have to show a valid paycheck receipt. Also, tax return receipts will help you prove your case.
Not Informing Your Insurance Provider
You are required to notify your insurer after an accident. Not notifying your insurance company is a mistake. At worse, your policy can be revoked. Still more, your claims can be denied. The insurance company will reject your claims if you didn’t communicate the accident as soon as it happened. It’s in your best interest to notify your insurance company.
Giving The Insurance Company Too Much Information About Your Case
Don’t discuss your case with your insurance company. If you have to, ensure that your lawyer is around. Remember, your insurance company may be collecting information to pin you down. Thus, be economical with the information you give your insurance company. Let your lawyer handle all the communication with your insurance company.
Accepting The Initial Offer from Your Insurance Company
The first offer isn’t usually the best. Your insurance company will do everything to limit your compensation. Thus, take your time. Explain why you need more money. Show them how serious your injuries are. Tell them the lasting impact on the injuries in your future life. Allow your lawyer to negotiate for you.
The Bottom-Line
Simple mistakes can have your compensation denied. Thus, be sure to follow the right procedure. Hire the right Fort Worth Whiplash injury attorneys. Most importantly, avoid making the above mistakes and get the right compensation.
