Car accidents are far more common than any of us would like to think. As such, it is important to learn about the most common mistakes people make after car accidents and how they can affect your compensation. Become aware and stay prepared to navigate post-accident situations confidently should the need arise.
Top 5 Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident
The mistakes people make after a car accident can jeopardize the strength and value of the claim they pursue seeking compensation for losses sustained. Here are the top 5 mistakes people make following a car accident:
1. Failing to document the accident
When you are at the scene of the accident, you should document what you can. Take pictures of the accident scene, property damage, and other damage incurred. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. These can be critical pieces of evidence proving liability and the extent of damages in any claim you may end up bringing.
2. Not calling 911
Calling 911 means that law enforcement will be deployed to the accident scene and, if there are any potential injuries, emergency medical personnel will be deployed as well. The police arriving to the scene of the accident means that a police report will be generated as well and some may be ticketed, all of which can go to supporting liability assertions down the road.
3. Talking to the wrong people or saying the wrong things about the accident
There are a number of people you should be extremely careful about talking to or avoiding altogether after an accident. For starters, talking to other drivers involved in the accident can be a bad move as it can lead to needless arguing. Even if you are only going to check on others involved in the accident, you must be careful to say anything that can be understood or misunderstood as you admit fault for the accident.
You may also want to avoid speaking to insurance adjustors for the insurers of others involved in the accident (you are contractually obligated to speak to your own insurance company about the accident). Insurance adjustors for others involved in the accident will primarily be looking for weaknesses in any claim you may be considering bringing. You should also be cautious, or avoid completely, posting on social media. Postings can be misconstrued into admissions of liability or undermine the extent of your claim injuries and thus jeopardize your right to be fully compensated.
4. Not seeking immediate and continuous medical treatment
Many people try the stiff upper lip approach and try to simply walk off or brush off any potential pains and strains felt following an accident. Do not do this. Go get evaluated as soon as possible by a doctor. Comply with doctor-recommended treatment paths. This is important not just to your health and well-being, but to the strength of your personal injury claim. Medical records are vital proof to any assertion that you were injured by the accident.
5. Not contacting an attorney
Accidents are difficult. They are painful. They are a lot to handle. While some try to do it on their own, they end up doing a disservice to themselves by not contacting a dedicated personal injury attorney with experience handling accident claims.
North Dakota Personal Injury Attorneys
At Pringle & Herigstad, we use our skills and experience to best serve our clients. We are tireless in our pursuit of the full and fair compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today.
