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A car accident is one of the most disruptive and upsetting things a person can experience. It’s hard to think clearly after another car has just crashed into your car, causing you injuries and vehicle damage. You may have a right to seek compensation for your losses. But it’s easy to make a misstep in the claims process that can lead to a denied insurance claim. You should familiarize yourself with the mistakes to avoid after an auto accident.
If you have been in a car accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney to get answers to your questions and discuss your legal options.
Admitting Fault at the Accident Scene
Assuming fault at the accident scene is one of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident. It’s only natural to say, “I’m sorry,” after you get in a car crash, even if you weren’t at fault. Unfortunately, the other driver’s insurance company could take your well-intended apology as an admission that you were responsible for the accident. The other driver’s insurance company may contend that you admitted fault and deny your claim.
Failing to Call Law Enforcement
Some drivers prefer not to involve the police after a minor accident, but that is a big mistake. Without a police report providing an official record of the accident and the vehicles involved, it will be your word against the other driver’s. You will need an accident report to file a car accident claim. Under North Carolina law, a person involved in a car accident resulting in injury must remain at the scene until a law enforcement officer tells them they can leave. Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury is a serious offense. Failing to report the accident to law enforcement is a mistake, even if no one was injured. Without a police report, you’ll have a harder time proving who is liable for any losses.
Not Documenting Evidence Properly
If you sustained a serious injury, you may be unable to gather evidence in the aftermath of an auto accident. However, if you can do so or can have someone else assist you, it’s a good idea to document everything you can. If possible, you should:
- Take photos of your injuries, the crash scene, vehicle damage, the other car’s license plate, and any traffic signals or road signs.
- Exchange information such as insurance details with the parties involved
- Get contact information from anyone who saw the crash.
- Ask the responding officers when the accident report will be ready and how you can get a copy.
Delaying Medical Treatment
It’s surprisingly common for accident victims to refuse immediate medical attention after a crash. A surge of adrenaline can mask pain and make you think you weren’t seriously injured. Once the adrenaline rush has worn off, you might start to feel the pain of an injury. Some injuries present symptoms days after the accident that caused them. Unfortunately, delaying medical treatment can allow the insurance company to claim that your injuries were not serious or that the accident did not cause your injuries. Declining prompt medical treatment is on the list of what not to do after a car accident.
Not Getting Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
Failing to contact an experienced car accident attorney is another big mistake you should avoid after a motor vehicle accident. An attorney can review the accident and help you understand whether you have a potential legal claim. The attorney can gather evidence to support an accident claim and handle communications with the insurance companies, relieving you of a significant source of stress. Our attorneys know how to recognize a lowball settlement offer and when to file a personal injury lawsuit to demand full compensation for your losses.
Contact Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, for Legal Guidance
Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, is a personal injury law firm that has been serving North Carolina car accident victims for over 40 years. Our law firm has handled many car accident cases for injured people in North Carolina. We charge no legal fees unless we obtain compensation for you through a negotiated settlement or court award.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today for your free claim evaluation. If you have a personal injury case, let us help you pursue just compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related losses.
