Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In the chaos that follows, it’s easy to make mistakes that can negatively impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Fortunately, by familiarizing yourself with the most common mistakes people make following a car accident, you can avoid making the same costly errors.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention and legal counsel. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our skilled and compassionate car accident team will review your case, determine fault, calculate damages, and negotiate for the maximum settlement available to you.
Mistake #1 — Failing to Seek Medical Attention Immediately
One of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident is failing to seek medical attention promptly. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not manifest symptoms until hours or even days after the accident. Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your condition but also make it more challenging to link your injuries to the accident when seeking compensation.
Mistake #2 — Not Documenting the Accident Scene
Another critical mistake is failing to document the accident scene properly. This includes taking photos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, and obtaining contact information from witnesses. Without this evidence, it may be challenging to prove liability and recover damages from the at-fault party.
Mistake #3 — Admitting Fault or Apologizing
It’s natural to feel sorry or apologetic after a car accident, but admitting fault or apologizing at the scene can be used against you later. Avoid making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt. Instead, focus on exchanging necessary information with the other parties involved and let your insurance company and attorney handle the investigation.
Mistake #4 — Neglecting to Contact the Police
In some minor accidents, people make the mistake of not contacting the police and exchanging information directly with the other party involved. However, involving law enforcement is necessary for creating an official report of the accident, which can serve as valuable evidence during the claims process.
Mistake #5 — Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Accepting a settlement offer without fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages is a common mistake that can result in being under-compensated. Consult with an experienced car accident attorney before agreeing to any settlement to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Contact Altman & Altman, LLP — Massachusetts’s Top Car Accident Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our team of experienced car accident attorneys is dedicated to helping accident victims obtain maximum compensation for their injuries. Don’t let a car accident derail your life. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
We’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.