Three Common Mistakes You Should Know Before A Car Accident
The first few hours after a car accident can be overwhelming and full of confusion. In the initial moments, you may be unsure how to proceed. Unfortunately, this confusion often leads to mistakes that can cost you, especially if you weren't at fault. The best thing you can do to protect your interests is to understand some of the most common mistakes. That way, if you're involved in an accident, you'll be better prepared to avoid them. Here are a few of the things you'll want to avoid doing if you are in an accident.
Refusing Medical Care
If medical professionals are called to the accident scene, it's in your best interest to allow them to evaluate you. You may dismiss the thought if you don't feel as though there's anything wrong, but there are many injuries that won't become apparent until after your adrenaline has eased and your pain receptors can function normally again. In addition, soft tissue injuries can be delayed, so it's in your best interest to be proactive.
The biggest reason that this is a concern is because delaying medical evaluation, even just for a few hours, can leave room for the other party's insurance company to question any injuries. When medical evaluations don't happen right away, there's the potential for injuries reported to have occurred well after the actual accident. Have a thorough evaluation so that there's at least some record of your physical condition and any concerns that you or the medical staff may have.
Not Hiring an Attorney
Insurance companies make their profits by reducing the settlements they pay. For this reason, it's in your best interest not to leave the whole process to the insurance company after the accident. If you want to be sure that you're going to get a fair settlement, you need to have someone involved who is working on your behalf. That means having a car accident lawyer on retainer to help you prepare your case and negotiate your settlement.
Not Understanding Your Rights
If you've never been in a car accident before, you might not understand what your legal rights really are. For example, if the other party was responsible for the accident and your injuries, you may have the right to file a claim and potentially a personal injury lawsuit. Make sure that you fully understand your rights before you sign anything or dismiss your claim.
The emotional and physical trauma of a car accident can leave you feeling confused. With the tips here, you can avoid making some of the most common mistakes if you're involved in a crash. Contact an attorney, Robert M Kaner Attorney, for help.