Over 14,000 car accidents resulting in property damage, death, and physical harm occur in the U.S. daily. Although nobody expects to get involved in a car accident, the fact remains it can happen with no fault of your own.
The moments following a car collision can be overwhelming. You may be unsure of the actions to take, what to say, or who to confide in. Talking to the wrong people, such as insurance adjusters, can impact your capacity to hold reckless drivers responsible for your harm. At this time, it is invaluable to have the representation of an auto accident law firm to represent your interests and stop you from making costly mistakes.
Lawyers at reputable law firms serve auto accident survivors throughout Connecticut and other parts of the country. In addition to maximizing your compensation, they counter the aggressive tactics of insurers who want to pay you less than you deserve. Avoid the following if you have suffered bodily harm and property damage in a car crash.
1. Leaving the Accident Scene
To avoid potential consequences, some drivers flee the accident scene. This action, however, exposes you to criminal and civil liability. Drivers involved in car accidents resulting in injuries, death, and property damage are required by law to stop, provide assistance, and exchange information.
2. Not Calling 911
If no one appears seriously hurt, some drivers assume they don’t need to call 911. To honor claims, however, insurers require police reports.
Moreover, an individual who was involved in the collision might seem only disoriented before sustaining severe injuries later on. When you call 911, request both medical personnel and the police.
As the police prepare a detailed report, the medical team examines everyone on the scene for injuries. The police account includes the road conditions, citations to the at-fault driver, and contact information of the drivers and witnesses.
3. Not Collecting Information
Not obtaining identifying information from the other driver could potentially lead to issues in the future. Take note of the following information from the other party before they leave the scene:
- Name and address
- Car’s year, make, color, and model
- License plate
- Registration number
- Name of their insurer and policy number
- License number
Also, obtain the details of all witnesses, including names, addresses, and contact information. Take photos and videos of the damage to the cars, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, road conditions, and your injuries. Visual evidence provides a clearer understanding of the cause of the accident.
4. Underestimating Your Injuries
Assuming you don’t need medical care can be dangerous after a car crash, as adrenaline may mask serious injuries. Many injury symptoms, like soreness, back pain, and neck pain, may take hours or days to appear, while severe conditions like head injuries can go unnoticed for a while.
Car accident lawyers suggest you make an appointment with your primary physician or visit the hospital, even if you received emergency care at the accident scene. If you wait too long, the other party’s insurer can argue that your injuries didn’t arise from the accident.
5. Admitting Fault
Many people find it natural to apologize. However, don’t say anything that could be interpreted as guilty admission after a car accident, including saying sorry. You don’t have all the case facts, even if you assume you were at fault. It is generally recommended to avoid engaging in roadside conversations with the other driver and instead only exchange the necessary information.
6. Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
You will likely get a request for a statement from insurance adjusters representing the other party after a car accident. However, these individuals only want to devalue your claim. The adjusters hope you will confess to being at fault, demonstrate your negligence, or reveal personal information that contradicts your claims.
Insurance adjusters also attempt to settle your case swiftly before you realize its value, resulting in you getting less money than you are entitled to. Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurer, as you have no obligation to do so.
7. Not Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident lawyers have your best interests at heart, unlike insurers. On your behalf, an attorney negotiates with insurers for your claim’s true value and gathers evidence to build a strong case. You have nothing to lose by pursuing legal services since reputable personal injury lawyers provide free consultations.
Contact an Auto Accident Law Firm Today
Those involved in car accidents because of other people’s negligence are entitled to significant compensation. To counter the tactics of insurers, it is essential to contact car accident attorneys as soon as possible.
Experienced lawyers at reputable law firms with decades of experience in car accident litigation are the perfect companions in your journey to recovery. These board-certified attorneys are enthusiastic about advocating for your rights and bringing your case to trial if necessary.
