When you are hurt in an auto accident, how you respond to the situation can impact the ability to receive the compensation you deserve. But this can be tricky. After an accident, victims often make mistakes that prevent them from getting the compensation they deserve.
While you may already understand what you need to do after an accident, it’s also important to understand what not to do after an accident. Ensuring that you don’t make a common mistake after an auto accident can help both you and your experienced auto accident attorneys develop a strategy for the best outcome possible. Here are ten mistakes you don’t want to make after an auto accident.
- Not Calling the Police
The police officer that arrives on the scene can collect valuable evidence that can work in your favor. Even though the police aren’t there to help you build your case, their work can be invaluable as a launching point for your claim for recovery. They track down witnesses, take photographs, and look at the scene on the road. The police often collect evidence on the scene that no one else can duplicate.
The police prepare a crash report that documents critical information. Also, if the other party receives a traffic ticket, that can be a great start to proving that they’re at fault for the crash. If you don’t call the police, the insurance companies, and the jury may wonder why you didn’t think you should ask for a police investigation.
- Admitting Guilt
It’s natural to want to resolve things as quickly as possible. One of the ways that you may try to do that is by apologizing for what happened. However, apologizing is highly inadvisable after a car crash. You may not even realize how something you say might negatively impact your case. Say nothing and let your lawyer do the talking.
- Failing to Gather Evidence
You can get your case off on the right foot by gathering any evidence possible at the accident scene. Of course, if you have serious injuries, medical treatment should be your number one priority. After that, you should do everything you can to gather evidence.
Take pictures of your injuries and any other photos at the scene. Write down the names of witnesses and their contact information. Gathering evidence at the site of the accident gives your attorney a great place to start when they launch their investigation.
- Skipping the Doctor
In addition to going to the doctor for your own health and well-being, it’s important to go to your physician to document your injuries. Your claim for recovery comes from your verified injuries. It isn’t enough just to say that you got hurt.
The more effectively you can create a record of the exact nature of your injuries and prognosis, the better your recovery is going to be. Thoroughly documented injuries also make it more likely that the other side will agree to pay you a fair settlement without needing a trial.
- Taking the Insurance Company’s Word for It
The insurance companies have an incentive to deny quality claims. They also have a reason to try to convince you that you’re getting a significant settlement when they’re getting away with paying you only pennies on the dollar.
It’s worth your while to ask an auto accident attorney from Bashore Green to evaluate your claim. They can give you the confidence to know that you’re getting a fair deal, or they can explain why you should continue to fight for justice.
- Settling Too Quickly
The first settlement offer usually isn’t the best. Although it is tempting to want to resolve your case as quickly as possible, you’re more likely to get a fair settlement if the other side believes that you’re serious about fully pursuing your case of the law. Taking the time to build your case can convince the other party that you deserve much more than what they first offered to pay.
- Waiting Too Long to File the Case
There is a time limit for filing a claim after an auto accident in most states, including Michigan. The insurance company might try to string you along, so time runs out. If you miss the deadline, you lose your chance to recover forever. It’s best to get the ball rolling as soon as possible even if you’re still recovering from your injuries.
- Not Defending a Traffic Ticket
If the police give you a traffic ticket after the accident, it’s important to fight it. Although it may seem easier just to pay the ticket, giving up can make it harder for you to win your case in civil court. You have a limited period to request a hearing for the ticket. You can have your attorney represent you. Correctly responding to the ticket can help you pursue your case from every angle.
- Skipping Parts of the Story
Your Bashore Green attorney is your teammate. They are ready to help you get the best possible result in court. For that to happen, you need to be always completely honest with your attorney. If you tell your attorney the good stuff and the bad, they have time to react to it and prepare the best case on your behalf.
- Not Asking Questions
Your court case is about you. It’s important for you to understand the legal process. Your Bashore Green auto accident attorney wants you to have confidence in your case. There is no question too small as you work with your attorney to prepare your case and fight for a fair recovery.
It is crucial for you to get a fair settlement for you to recover from your injuries and move on with your life. Making common mistakes after sustaining injuries in an auto accident can lower your chances of getting the compensation you need to recover fully. Together with the auto accident lawyers at Bashore Green, you will have the resources needed to maximize your recovery and rebuild your life. Contact us today!