Mistakes to Avoid That Could Lower Your Car Accident Settlement

Mistakes to Avoid That Could Lower Your Car Accident Settlement

Being involved in a car accident is stressful. In the immediate aftermath, emotions and adrenaline can lead to quick decisions that might jeopardize your future settlement. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) can impact the recovery you receive.

Like many areas of life, being well-informed with knowledge, confidence, and a fundamental grasp of the situation will lead to better outcomes than those who are not. With that said, avoid these mistakes to protect your rights after a car crash.

Common Car Accident Settlement Mistakes

1. Not Calling the Police

It’s always best to report car accidents to the police, even in the case of a minor car accident. Police reports are evidence when determining liability and proving fault. The on-scene officer will document the accident, take statements from those involved, and assess the situation.

Contacting the police demonstrates that you take the situation seriously and are honest about what occurred. A car crash is a significant event, and involving law enforcement is logical if you plan to pursue compensation for the incident. Make sure you stay until they have all the information they need. Confirm with the officers that they have done their due diligence before you leave the accident scene.

2. Not Getting Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after a collision, some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Always get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after a crash. Remember, a car crash is the collision of thousands of pounds of metal hurled together at high speeds. Our bodies are not designed to handle this kind of impact.

Rather than giving yourself a quick body scan and determining that you feel okay, you should undergo an examination and have a medical professional make that call. After all, a car crash can cause you to feel adrenaline and endorphins that can numb pain until you are safe. It is not uncommon for someone to feel great right up until they get home, and then the symptoms begin to emerge. Delaying medical care can seriously affect your health and legal claim. Insurance companies often view delays in seeking medical care as a sign that your injuries are not serious and might use it against you to deny or reduce your claim.

3. Admitting Fault

It’s normal to want to apologize or admit fault in the confusion or chaos following a car accident. However, even saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of guilt, regardless of who was at fault. Limit your conversation with the other driver and never admit fault at the scene. Be business-like, serious, and direct. If another person has crashed into you and it is their fault, the last thing you need to do is concede guilt. Your livelihood and long-term well-being may be at risk.

4. Forgetting to Gather Evidence

Immediately after the accident, always do your best to take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the scene, and your injuries. Collect information from witnesses and ask for a copy of the police report. If you cannot manage everything alone, a car crash is an important time to reach out to someone you love and trust for support. Your friends and family care about you and want to help you during this difficult time. Can any of them assist you in documenting what just happened?

 5. Not Consulting a Car Accident Lawyer

Not seeking legal advice after a car accident is a mistake because an attorney will most likely maximize your settlement. Dealing with the legal system alone can be overwhelming, especially with insurance companies notoriously pushing victims to accept a lower settlement.

A local personal injury attorney in Albuquerque is your best bet because you can meet with them in person and be sure they have all the information you have and give you all the advice that they have. Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, handle the paperwork, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

6: Waiting to Act

Another thing to remember is that you don’t have an endless amount of time to file an injury claim. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in New Mexico is three years from the accident date. If you do not file your claim within three years, you may lose the chance to seek compensation. Generally, the quicker you act, the better – this goes for medical care and a consultation with an attorney.

Protect Your Rights and Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement

Don’t let simple errors cost you the money you deserve. It’s easy to make mistakes that could harm your chances of receiving fair compensation. Avoid jeopardizing your case by being aware of common pitfalls and working with a car accident attorney.

 

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