What Not to Do After a Car Accident

Car accident claims can be highly complex. There is a lot of investigative work, valuation, and negotiation that go into a claim. Insurance companies often take advantage of injured motorists who don’t understand their rights. They may offer a lowball insurance settlement offer to make your case go away or try to deny compensation entirely.

An auto injury lawyer won’t let that happen. They’ll gather the facts from the crash scene and witness statements to support your claim. Plus, they’ll accurately tally up your damages and determine how much money you’re eligible for. When it’s time to negotiate for your settlement, they won’t accept a lowball offer. They’ll fight to maximize your compensation and even take your case to trial, if necessary.

Common mistakes people make after a car accident include:

• Not seeking medical attention: Failing to seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, can lead to undiagnosed or hidden injuries. These injuries may worsen over time.
• Not calling the police: Failing to report a car accident to the police makes it challenging to obtain an official car accident report.
• Not gathering evidence: Neglecting to collect essential information and evidence, such as photos of the accident scene, contact information for witnesses, and the other driver's information, can hinder insurance claims and legal cases.
• Admitting fault: Apologizing or admitting fault at the accident scene can be used against you later, even if you were not at fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and the police.
• Delaying reporting to insurance: Failing to promptly report the accident to your insurance company can result in delays or denials of your claim.
• Neglecting to document injuries: Not keeping detailed records of injuries, medical treatment, and expenses can make it harder to seek compensation later.
• Not consulting an attorney: Failing to seek legal advice can lead to accepting inadequate settlements or making legal mistakes that could have been avoided with professional guidance.
• Settling too quickly: Accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company before fully understanding the extent of your injuries and losses can result in inadequate compensation.
• Not following medical advice: Failing to follow recommended medical treatment plans can weaken your case and hinder your recovery.

Certain symptoms following a car accident should not be ignored, as they may indicate more severe injuries or complications. These symptoms include:

• Headaches: Persistent or severe headaches can be a sign of a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
• Neck or shoulder pain: Ongoing neck or shoulder pain may suggest whiplash or other spinal injuries.
• Back pain: Continuous back pain could indicate spinal injuries, herniated discs, or soft tissue damage.
• Numbness or tingling: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities could be linked to nerve damage or spinal injuries.
• Changes in cognitive function: Memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior may indicate a traumatic brain injury.
• Abdominal pain: Persistent abdominal pain could be a sign of internal injuries.
• Vision changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or changes in vision are often associated with head injuries.
• Emotional distress: Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or mood changes, should be addressed with a mental health professional.
• Dizziness or balance issues: These symptoms may be related to head injuries or inner ear problems.
• Breathing difficulty: Any difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood should be treated as a medical emergency.

When speaking to an insurance company after a car accident, it's crucial to be cautious about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability. Avoid speculating about the cause of the crash or the extent of your injuries. You may not have all of this information yet.

When reporting a crash to your insurance company, be concise and stick to the facts without providing unnecessary details. Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Anything you say to them can be taken out of context and later used to downplay your injuries or deny your claim. Let an experienced car accident attorney handle all communications with them.

What details do I gather in a car accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident, it's critical to gather information and evidence to build your claim. This includes:

• Insurance information: Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Get their insurance company's name, policy number, and contact details.
• Driver information: Obtain the other driver's name and contact information.
• Witness information: If there are any witnesses, collect their names, contact information, and statements about what they saw.
• Accident details: Take photos of the crash scene. Include damage to vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Document the date, time, and location of the crash.
• Police report: If law enforcement responded to the crash scene, obtain a copy of the police report.
• Medical records: Keep records of any medical treatment you receive. That includes hospital bills, doctor's notes, and prescriptions.

If you were hurt in a crash, don’t let the insurance companies push you around. Get a Law.com Premier Auto Injury Lawyer on your side to level the playing field. One of our verified attorneys will fight to protect your rights and advocate for you every step of the way. Plus, they work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay any upfront fees for their services.

Contact a Premier Attorney in your area for a free consultation. A free consultation lawyer will answer any questions you have and help you explore the legal options available to you.