If you find yourself involved in an auto accident, it will be difficult to think clearly at that moment and in the days ahead. Unfortunately, this leads to many car accident victims making crucial mistakes that cost them significant compensation. As a result, they are left trying to figure out how to pay a large stack of medical bills, make up the wages they are losing by not being able to return to their job, and pay for other damages they suffered. If you don’t want to fall into this category, here are some mistakes you should never make following your car accident.
Failing to Get Medical Treatment
If you refuse medical treatment at the accident scene, you are making it incredibly easy for an insurance company to deny you the compensation you need and deserve. Since adrenaline will be pumping throughout your body, you likely don’t realize just how seriously injured you are at that moment. Therefore, always allow paramedics to treat you at the scene and transport you to a local hospital for additional tests and treatment.
Saying Too Much to Police
While you will need to speak to police as to what happened regarding your accident, that doesn’t mean you have to continue talking until you say something that will harm your personal injury case. For example, saying a simple “I’m sorry” to cops will instantly have them assuming you admitted the accident was your fault. When this finds its way into their accident report, insurance companies will seize on this as an excuse to deny you compensation.
Taking a Quick Settlement
If you are contacted shortly after your accident by an insurance company that is offering you a quick settlement, don’t take it. More than likely, the amount offered will be far lower than what you could receive after having an attorney negotiate an out-of-court settlement for you.
While it will be hard to do, always try to stay calm and use excellent judgement while at the accident scene and afterwards. To discuss your situation in greater detail, consult with us soon here at Tobler Law.