Car accidents can be a chaotic time for anyone because of how unexpected they are. Not everyone knows exactly what to do after being involved in an accident. This can be dangerous for various legal reasons. Understanding what to do after a car accident can save you a lot of financial trouble and potential lawsuits. Consider talking to Tennessee car accident lawyer for more information on common mistakes to avoid.
Personal Mistakes
It is a good idea to seek medical attention if you experience any kind of pain, dizziness, or numbness that does not go away in part of your body. Some people do not bother to call paramedics because they think their injuries are minor. However, there are some injuries that do not show up until later, like internal bleeding, hairline fractures, or traumatic head injuries that can include brain damage.
Calling paramedics is also important to avoid being considered negligent to the other driver and passengers involved in the accident. They may have injuries that you are unaware of. It also helps to have some kind of medical record for your injuries after the crash because, without one, your insurance company is not likely to compensate you.
However, never be dishonest about your personal injuries to the insurance company. If your claims adjuster finds out you exaggerated or lied about your injuries, this decreases any chances you may have of receiving compensation. Many insurance companies are hesitant to offer compensation following an accident, so lying can make the situation worse if your claim is under scrutiny.
Common Legal Mistakes
When you are collecting evidence from the accident scene, like the other driver’s insurance information, do not admit fault for the wreck because this could be used against you in court. You can provide your name, vehicle information, and insurance company name, but refuse photos of your driver’s license, phone number, or personal address. It is safer to keep these personal details private.
After you submit your personal injury claim to the insurance company, some people will receive a settlement right away and will accept it without hesitation. This is not always a good idea because some insurance companies fail to offer adequate compensation and this can trap many people into a bad financial situation. That leads us to the last common mistake.
Many people put off hiring a lawyer for too long because they think retaining a lawyer will make them lose money in the long-run. Hiring a lawyer may be risky for some, but taking this step also increases your chances of receiving more compensation that could potentially cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. This is more than you could be initially offered by the insurance company, and if an insurance company refuses to pay you, you could end up with nothing.
