If you are in a car accident, there are numerous things that you need to do to protect your rights and ensure that you recover the full financial compensation that you deserve. This begins at the scene of the accident.
Failing to follow these simple guidelines can put your claim at risk. Some common mistakes that people make after a car accident include: For more information about smash repairs head over to Sheen Group.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Car accident injuries can be severe and impact short- and long-term health considerations. It is, therefore, important to immediately seek medical attention for any injury symptoms after a crash. Failure to do so is a red flag for insurance companies who may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you have indicated or were caused by something else.
Even if you are not feeling pain after the accident, a visit to a doctor should be your next step, as some injury symptoms, such as whiplash, may not become apparent until several days after the crash. Additionally, a doctor can help you document your injuries which will aid in the legal process. Also, be sure to fully complete your course of treatment so there are no gaps in medical records that insurance companies can use against you.
Failing to Contact an Attorney
While it may be natural to want to apologize after a car accident, doing so can hurt your case. This is because the other driver’s insurance company will claim that you were somehow admitting fault.
Never speak to the other driver or their insurance representatives at the crash scene. This is because these people are not looking out for your best interests. They will try to get you to accept the blame for the accident and sign a document limiting your rights.
Contacting a Philadelphia car accident attorney immediately after the accident is also important. An attorney can assist you in avoiding the mistakes listed above and guarantee you receive the total financial compensation you deserve.
Failing to Take Pictures of the Scene
In the moments following a car accident, it can be challenging to remember that what you do and say could impact your ability to file a claim and collect compensation. Sometimes, the adrenaline rush can hide injuries that are not easy to see immediately after a crash. With documentation, it will be easier for an investigator to connect your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering to the crash.
It is also essential to take pictures of the scene. This will help to preserve evidence that may be needed if the accident becomes a legal dispute. This includes taking pictures of the cars, the damage to both vehicles, skid marks or debris from the accident, and weather and lighting conditions.
Failing to Gather Information at the Scene
The police will need to be notified of any crash. Without a report, it is your word against the other drivers, which can turn into a “he said, she said” dispute if you need to file a claim.
While the incident is fresh, gathering critical information such as the name, address, phone number, insurance information, license plate number, and contact information of any eyewitnesses is essential. It is also helpful to get a copy of the police report so you can point out any factual errors.
Lastly, avoiding discussing the accident or saying anything that can be used against you later on is essential. This includes saying things like “I’m sorry,” which can be considered admitting fault.
Failing to Call the Police
A car accident is a traumatic experience. However, it is essential to remain calm, stay at the scene, and call the police. Even if you believe the wreck was minor, it is essential to call the police because you cannot always tell whether someone has been severely injured.
You should also avoid telling the police that the crash was your fault because that could be interpreted as admitting liability, which will hurt your case in court. Moreover, it would be best if you tried to get eyewitness testimony from pedestrians and drivers of other vehicles. These eyewitness statements will help to back up your version of events in court. Additionally, the police report will document what happened in detail. The insurance company will use this report to evaluate your claim.
