Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident

Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident

Emotions can run high after a car accident. It is easy to make mistakes during this stressful and confusing time. Some errors make little impact, but the aftermath of others can be devastating.

Avoiding costly missteps and making wise legal decisions is possible, especially with an experienced legal team on your side. At Hill & Moin, our lawyers treat our clients like family and work hard to secure the best outcome possible for every case.

The information below will help you to identify and steer clear of some of the most common mistakes that car accident victims make. Every case is different; whether it’s a rollover accident, a collision caused by a drunk driver, a failure-to-yield crash, a T-bone accident, or just a fender-bender, contacting personal injury lawyers can ensure you understand your legal options. Schedule your free consultation with us by calling (212) 668-6000 as soon as possible. 

Not Calling Traffic Authorities

The accident’s severity determines whether or not state law obligates you to get the police involved. For instance, under New York law, you must wait at the accident scene until police arrive or file an accident report within 10 days if:

• Someone is injured
• Someone dies
• The property damage exceeds $1000
• You cannot contact the owner of an injured domestic animal

Therefore, calling the New York police is not legally required for minor accidents with property damage amounting to less than $1000. You could exchange names and contact information.

Yet, there are good reasons to consider contacting a police officer for your car crash.

Here are some reasons why you should contact the police:

• Rules vary by state. You must check locally to learn your legal requirements after a motor vehicle crash.
• When police respond to an accident, they make an accident report. This official record can be invaluable evidence for your personal injury claim.
• Symptoms of car accident injuries, especially whiplash, can appear days after the accident. The following section will discuss why you should seek medical treatment as soon after an auto accident as possible.
• A law officer can help you exchange information and verify the other involved driver’s license, insurance, and registration. He or she can also help you collect evidence, perhaps even noticing details you would have missed.
• Drivers sometimes change their account of events. A police report can establish essential facts of your case. You may find it valuable if the other driver tries to manipulate the truth or you lose accident documents. Remember, though, that anything you say can also be recorded and used against you in court.

Call the police if you suspect the other driver was at least partially responsible for the accident or committed a traffic violation. If you are unsure, you can contact our law firm at any time of day or night.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention

You should call for emergency medical care if anyone is seriously injured in a car accident. However, is getting immediate medical attention necessary if you seem fine? Yes, getting checked by a doctor is crucial, even if you do not think you are injured.

Some injuries like those discussed below may not show immediate symptoms:

• Back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Concussions
• Whiplash

By getting a professional medical opinion, you can ensure that hidden injuries are identified and treated early on, preventing potential complications in the future. Additionally, seeking medical treatment after a car accident is essential for personal injury claims.

Doctor statements play a significant role in these claims, providing documented evidence of your injuries and their severity. These statements can be used to support your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Assuming Fault for Car Accidents

Who is liable for the damages of a car accident? Even if the answer seems obvious, you should never assume.

Sometimes, drivers admit fault at first but change their minds later. In other cases, innocent drivers unknowingly take the blame, though the accident was not their fault. It is better to avoid admitting fault and let a professional investigate.

Identifying the at-fault driver in a car accident is a challenging and intricate task. Car accident claims must do more than point out the at-fault party. Conflicting accounts from the drivers and witnesses can further complicate the process of assigning blame.

A legal claim must also include solid evidence that proves that the other party is responsible for the damage. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident scene.

To establish and prove fault, an experienced car accident attorney will gather proof, such as:

• Witness statements
• Photographs and videos
• Police reports
• Traffic laws
• Evidence of weather conditions

Assuming fault is one of the gravest mistakes that can significantly impact the outcome of your car accident claim. Identifying the at-fault driver in a car accident is complex since this requires considering multiple factors and gathering convincing evidence.

Since insurance companies know that admitting fault is a vital issue, you should steer clear of hurting your car accident case. Consider the following actions you should avoid.

Apologizing

You may wonder, what is wrong with saying you are sorry after an auto accident? After all, your apology could be referring to the unfortunate circumstance or that another party suffered injuries.

Unfortunately, innocent remarks might be misinterpreted as accepting blame, which could be used against you by a court or insurance company.

Posting about car accidents on social media

Sharing details about your car accident or injuries on social media can have grave consequences for your insurance claim and legal case. Insurance companies are known for gathering evidence found online.

An insurance company can collect insurance information from comments, photographs, and videos found online to cast doubt on the severity of injuries. It might also claim that something posted on your account constitutes admitting fault.

Prioritize your well-being. If you want to record your experience, keep a private journal of your pain and suffering. Share the contents only with your car accident attorney.

Accepting a Settlement From an Insurance Company

A quick settlement might not be a fair settlement. Insurance companies want to make money. The less they spend on an accident claim, the more money they save.

Therefore, you cannot presume that an insurance company has your best interest at heart. So get a car accident attorney to review the insurance policies of all involved drivers, negotiate with insurance companies, and determine whether a settlement offer represents fair compensation for your case.

You might regret signing away your legal rights since you cannot seek additional compensation later. A small settlement could be insufficient for your medical bills for follow-up treatment.

Get Help From a Car Accident Attorney Without Delay

Failing to gather evidence of the significant aspects of an auto accident can invalidate an insurance policy and halt the legal process. Likewise, dealing with an insurance company without proper counsel can lead to an unjust settlement offer, a delayed payout, or even a rejected claim.

Why let a common mistake negatively impact your future? We can offer you Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ to resolve issues with your car accident case – sometimes before they start. If you have serious injuries or substantial vehicle damage, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our legal team right away.

An experienced attorney can answer your questions and guide you through the complex legal system. Take advantage of our free consultation service by calling (212) 668-6000 or filling out a contact form now. Our phone lines are open all day, all night, 365 days a year. Call now. 

Don’t wonder about your rights!