Did you know there are an average of 6 million car accidents annually in the US? The intensity of these accidents varies, but what remains constant is the mistakes people make after they’re in a car accident.
From admitting liability to downplaying injuries, these mistakes can put you in a very vulnerable position. You can face severe legal and financial consequences. This is why hiring an auto accident attorney is the first thing you should do. Wondering what other mistakes people make after they’re in a car accident? Here are the top 5 ones:
1. Admitting Liability
When you’re in a car accident, it’s natural to apologize to the other people involved and ensure everyone is okay. But here’s the thing – this is not customer service or friendliness. People can take advantage of these words and use them against you.
They won’t understand that you’re just being nice and courteous. Instead, their attorney might claim that since you admitted your mistakes, you are the one to blame, too. So, never admit liability or say you’re sorry in a car accident. Make sure other people are okay, but don’t say anything about liability, and let the professionals evaluate the situation to determine who exactly is at fault.
2. Concealing Injuries
From broken bones to muscle pain, car accident injuries occur in all forms and intensities. You may or may not be able to see the injury, but you can always feel the pain. So, never try to hide your injuries in an accident.
Be vocal about where and how much you’ve been hurt so that your attorney can help you win the case faster. Also, make sure to be transparent about your previous injuries or health conditions. These details help strengthen your case.
3. Improper Dealing with Insurance Companies
Car insurance companies display themselves as your friends. But at the end of the day, they are just businesses trying to make a profit. This means they would attempt to twist information so that they have to pay less for the accident.
However, you can always ask their questions in writing or record the entire conversation on your end. This will protect the information from being misused against you. Also, when dealing with these companies, keep your answers short and precise.
4. Not Collecting Evidence
In a car accident, a person is usually too shocked and overwhelmed to take any action. It is a difficult situation for which we haven’t prepared. This results in a lot of important information being slipped away from our very eyes.
So, always remember to take note of the surroundings in a car accident. Questions like how many people were involved in the accident, who was affected, and how extensive the damage was should be answered on the spot. This data collection can help you secure yourself afterward and get fair compensation for the loss.
5. Ignoring Legal Help
Most people assume that seeking professional consultation and help in car accidents can be expensive. For this reason, they avoid it completely and try to negotiate with other involved parties directly.
This is never a good solution because other people and insurance companies are quick to draw in legal help. With no lawyer to defend your case, you can end up vulnerable to their claims and may have to pay more than you owe.
So, it’s better to contact a law professional immediately and listen to their advice. They will not only propose possible solutions to protect yourself but will ensure you get the justice you deserve.