When you’re in a car accident, your safety and health are your first concern. While you only want to get back to normal, your next steps are vital. After this tumultuous event, you can easily make mistakes that can be detrimental and delay your recovery.
Here are the 11 most common mistakes after an accident:
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Not Contacting Your Insurance Company ASAP
You must contact your insurance company immediately after your car accident to get your claim started. Filing a claim promptly ensures a quicker outcome. Per Colorado statute of limitations, a claim must be filed within three years after the accident.
Most phone conversations at an insurance company are recorded and practically all calls between an insurance adjuster and an accident victim or client are recorded as well.
Insurance companies are looking out for themselves and will try to deny your claim or lessen the dollar amount. To know what to expect from your insurance company and to be a knowledgeable advocate for yourself, it’s vital to study your insurance policy. Not knowing what your insurance policy says to do after a car accident will give your insurance company the upper hand during negotiations.
You mustn’t speak about the details of the car accident such as who you believe is guilty of the collision until you have contacted a car accident attorney in Denver who has vast experience in dealing with insurance companies and auto accident claims.
This is one of the key reasons why it’s critical to let your Denver auto accident attorney contact your insurance company. If the insurance company asks if you were hurt and you say that you’re fine could jeopardize your claim. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you.
Not Calling the Police and Not Getting a Police Report
A huge mistake people make after an auto accident is not calling the police. Whether or not it was a serious collision or not, it’s essential to report the incident to the police. The police report has pertinent information that helps when filing your insurance claim or if you need to file a lawsuit. It’s always a good idea to have an official record of the auto accident.
If the responding police officers find the other party guilty of a traffic law violation and give them a ticket, you have the basis for potential fault. Even if you don’t feel that you suffered any serious injuries or damage, it is always wise to get an official police report (accident report). It will include the details of the collision scene as well as statements from the witnesses and individuals involved in the accident. A police report verifies the facts of the accident as they really occurred.
Not Gathering Evidence
You shouldn’t just depend on the police to build your case. While at the scene, you need to get insurance information from the other motorist and contact information from any witnesses. Be sure to take pictures of the accident and include the following:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Where the vehicles ended up after the collision
- Street/road/highway where the accident happened
- All road signs and traffic lights
- Relevant traffic or weather conditions
- Skid marks
Gathering evidence is crucial to corroborate your insurance claim or possible legal case. Besides taking photos of the accident scene, gather information from witnesses who can give statements about the accident. This evidence will support your case and help prove liability.
Most car accidents become a case of “he said/she said.” Collaborating testimony is one of the most significant ways to stop this.
Not Staying at the Accident Scene Until Law Enforcement Arrives
It’s critical to stay at the accident scene, particularly if there’s major injury or damage until law enforcement arrives. If you must leave, tell the police where you’re going and how they can get in touch with you.
Don’t leave the scene of a car accident for any reason. It’s illegal and can have you dealing with serious legal consequences, including a felony or misdemeanor charge. Unfortunately, some motorists will become frightened and drive away from the scene, considered to be the guilty at-fault party even if the other motorist is the true culprit for the accident.
Always stay at the collision scene until the police have given you the okay to leave.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately After the Accident
After a car accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel your injuries aren’t serious. Some injuries, like whiplash, might not show symptoms right away, and putting off treatment could exacerbate your condition. Adrenaline, stress, and shock can hide pain, so be sure you and your passengers can move around safely.
It’s wise to see a doctor and get a medical examination as soon as possible after the accident. This gives you medical documentation of the injuries to support your claim, helping to establish how and when you suffered any injuries, and decreases the odds of getting your claim denied. Furthermore, documentation is vital for insurance claims, offering proof of the accident’s effect on your health.
Not Taking Pictures or Videos
Pictures and videos establish things as they really were at a specific point in time without any agenda or prejudice. They just reveal what’s in front of you. Take as many photos as possible, beginning with wide shots of the general area and then taking detailed photos. A short video of the collision site, how many people were involved, and what your vehicle looks like after the accident.
Not Keeping Quiet (Admitting Guilt)
After a car accident, never make any assertion regarding who’s at fault for the accident. Don’t even apologize. It could hinder your chance of getting fair compensation.
It’s normal to be apologetic after an auto accident, even if you feel you aren’t at fault.
However, acknowledging fault at the scene could negatively affect your insurance claim. Don’t discuss fault or blame until you have all the pertinent, necessary information. Let the insurance companies and car accident lawyers decide liability based on the evidence.
Not Staying Off of Social Media
Most individuals put their business on social media.
It may be tempting to post about your car accident, even just to simply say “I’m okay.” However, this declaration could be bad news for your accident claim. An insurance company could use that statement to deny your claim for damages.
Using social media after an accident is risky. What you share can aid insurance companies in making a case against you. Insurance adjusters frequently look at social media to observe claimants. They check for pictures and posts refuting your claims of a serious injury. They might even misconstrue innocent posts to undermine your credibility.
Not Exchanging Information with the Other Motorist
Not exchanging information with the other motorist is a major common mistake. Be sure to get:
- Contact information
- Insurance details
- License plate numbers
This info aids in settling disputes and speeding up claims.
Not Thinking About a Settlement Before Agreeing to It
A quick settlement isn’t the same as a full one. Once you agree to a settlement from the insurance company, you can’t later come back and try to amend it for more money. This is even if you find out that your expenses due to the accident are costing you more than the settlement amount. You will have to pay those additional costs out of your pocket.
Not Talking to an Auto Accident Attorney Immediately
One thing you can bank on is that the insurance companies are going to be looking out for themselves and not you. This is especially true if there are injuries and damage due to a client’s actions.
To protect your rights, it is best to speak with an auto accident attorney immediately after the collision and let this experienced legal professional handle your claim and your case from beginning to end.
Navigating the legal intricacies of an auto accident can be daunting. Most people make the mistake of not consulting an attorney, thinking they can manage the process themselves. However, a Denver auto accident lawyer can on your behalf:
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Guarantee you get fair compensation for your injuries and damage
- Safeguard your rights
Do Not Hesitate to Contact Paul Wilkinson
It might be difficult to try and remember not to make these common mistakes if you’re in a car accident. However, making these mistakes could be the difference between an unreasonable settlement and getting your claim approved. By following the advice above, you can protect your rights and improve your odds of getting fully compensated.
At Paul Wilkinson, we realize the difficulties people face after an auto accident. Our knowledgeable group of car accident lawyers is committed to helping our clients navigate the legal process and get compensated adequately. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
