5 Mistakes to Avoid After Suffering a Car Accident Injury

When setting out on the road, you expect to reach your destination safely. Unfortunately, accidents are unpredictable. The confusion that follows is what leads to so many mistakes. If you suffer an injury from a car accident, you may choose to pursue compensation with the help of a car accident attorney.

However, some people make mistakes that get in the way of collecting compensation. If you’ve recently been in a car accident, avoid these mistakes to improve your chances while seeking compensation. 

Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

Injuries from car accidents range in severity from minor scrapes and bruises to spinal cord injuries and brain trauma. Regardless of your situation, there are certain mistakes that car accident victims are prone to making. 

1. Accepting the First Insurance Settlement Offer

Shortly after your accident, you will receive a call from an insurance adjuster. While they will likely be friendly and sympathetic to your situation, be aware that they will offer you a lowball settlement to start. Insurance adjusters’ goal is to give you the least amount of compensation possible.

The call will likely come before you can assess the extent of the accident’s damage. Some car accident victims may feel compelled to accept this offer, but you should speak to an attorney first. A car accident law firm can help you determine the value of your case.

2. Not Seeking Medical Attention

If your car accident appears minor, you may think you don’t need medical attention. However, this can make it difficult to seek compensation afterward. To pursue damages, you need evidence of your injuries. 

Even if you think you don’t have any serious injuries, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Some injuries may develop from untreated muscle tears or strains. Attend to your car accident injuries as soon as possible. If you wait too long, insurance companies could argue your injuries weren’t related to the accident. Contact an auto accident lawyer to learn what records you need to prove your injuries.

3. Taking the Blame

Another common mistake drivers make, especially if they believe they may have caused the accident, is immediately apologizing to the other driver. While this may seem like the polite thing to do, avoid it. The other driver and their attorney will perceive this as an admission of guilt.

In a car accident case, it’s up to the insurance companies to determine fault, not you. All you need to do with the other driver is exchange insurance and contact information.

4. Not Filing a Police Report

You may hesitate to call the police, especially if the accident seems minor. However, if you don’t contact the police, you’re giving up instrumental evidence in your case. A police report provides proof of important details, including their assessment of who is at fault. 

5. Not Hiring an Attorney

A car accident attorney will help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Having an experienced legal professional on your side makes this process much smoother. 

Your attorney can also notify you of the statute of limitations for your claim. The period you can file a car accident claim varies from state to state, and it’s important to have a clear timeline.

Seek Compensation With Assistance From Experienced Car Accident Attorneys 

Established in 1984, Fadduol Cluff Hardy & Conaway P.C. has been standing up for the rights of personal injury and wrongful death victims for over 30 years. We want to leverage our experience to help you through this difficult time. We’ve helped numerous clients claim compensation for their injuries. Call 800-433-2408 to schedule a case review with a car accident attorney today.