Mistakes That Will Hurt Your Car Accident Case

 Posted on March 30, 2018 in Personal Injury

Being involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence is nerve-wracking. You may be shocked at what happened and unsure of how to move forward. By making an effort to remain calm, think clearly, and avoid the following five mistakes, you can ensure that your rights are protected and you collect the fair and full compensation you may be entitled to.

1. Failing to Visit Your Doctor in a Timely Manner

Even if you do not believe the car accident has left you injured, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Often times, injuries do not become obvious until days or even weeks after an accident. If you do not see a doctor or wait to see if your injuries heal before seeing one, your injuries may seem less severe than they actually are and weaken your claim.

2. Forgetting to Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence is crucial, especially if the car accident was caused by someone else. Be sure to gather the contact and insurance information of the driver who caused the accident as well as the contact information of any witnesses. It is also a good idea to take photographs of the accident scene as well as any damage to the vehicles and injuries that arose.

3. Accepting a Quick Settlement

Keep in mind that insurance companies are in business to make money. Therefore, you may receive a phone call from an insurer trying to convince you to accept a quick settlement. Since this settlement is likely far less than what you may deserve, you can lose money if you accept it.

4. Admitting Fault

If you believe that you may have contributed to the accident in some way, you may be tempted to just admit fault and move on. The truth is car accidents are highly complex and it is often unclear who is liable for a car accident. You should avoid admitting fault or apologizing for doing so can hurt your case and make your responsible for an accident that you did not cause.

5. Not Speaking to an Attorney

After a car accident, you should always reach out to an experienced car accident attorney. They understand the complex laws associated with car accidents, know how to negotiate with insurance companies, and can make sure that your rights are protected. If you fail to consult an attorney, you may end up mistreated with a low-ball settlement.

Contact Our Hinsdale Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been hurt in a car accident, we encourage you to contact our experienced DuPage County car accident lawyers. You can count on us to make sure that you are not taken advantage of and receive the maximum compensation you may deserve. For a free consultation, call us today at 630-920-8855.

Source:

https://www.selective.com/info-center/resource-center/newsletters/personal-connections/volume4-issue4/auto-accident-dos-donts