A car accident can change your entire life in mere moments. You may end up with serious injuries that keep you from working, caring for your family, or performing other daily tasks. Your automobile may be wrecked to the point where you can no longer drive it, leaving you with an expensive repair bill or the cost of a new vehicle. You may also be facing criminal charges if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident. Regardless of whether you're the party at fault or not, working with a car accident lawyer can help you avoid these four common mistakes people make after a car accident.
1) Not visiting a medical provider
You may feel fine after the accident, but that doesn't mean that you don't have any injuries. Many injuries, such as whiplash or low back pain, can show up after an auto accident. In fact, you may not notice you are in pain until the shock of the accident wears off and you return to your everyday life. A car accident attorney can help you determine whether you should seek medical care after an accident as well as provide information on how to get your hospital bill or other healthcare expenses covered.
2) Accepting blame for the accident
When the police arrive, don't automatically take the blame for the accident. Doing so can make it difficult to receive any compensation if you have sustained injuries or damaged property. In some cases, it could even lead to criminal charges against you. Working with a car accident lawyer before you speak with the police can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the proceedings. You may find it helpful to save a trusted car accident attorney's contact information in your phone so you have it ready to go in case an accident ever occurs.
3) Waiting too long to make an insurance claim
Insurance companies often have strict timelines for filing claims. If you wait too long, you may not be able to receive any compensation at all. To help ensure that this does not happen, contact your car accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can start the insurance claim process and provide advice throughout the proceedings.
4) Failing to document the accident
Gathering evidence at the scene of the accident is essential for both your insurance claim and any potential legal action you decide to take. Take pictures of the damage, write down pertinent information about how it happened, and make copies of any official paperwork from the police or medical providers involved in your case. Your car accident lawyer will be able to advise you on which evidence is most relevant and important in your situation.
Auto accidents can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. Meet with a car accident lawyer in your area to help reduce the amount of stress and uncertainty you experience after a wreck.
