Mistakes to Avoid After Suffering an Injury in a Car Accident

Most drivers do not know what to do right after getting injured in a car accident. It is difficult to stay calm and think clearly, particularly when you are in pain in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic car crash.

However, sometimes the things you should not do are just as important as the things you should do after an accident. Below, learn more about some of the things you should avoid doing after a car accident because they could endanger your safety or hurt your chances of recovering compensation from the at-fault driver.

If you suffer an injury in a car accident, an auto accident attorney in Milwaukee may be able to help you pursue the fair compensation you are entitled. Contact us today for a free, no obligation legal consultation.

Do Not Admit Fault

You should never admit to causing the accident that caused your injury. That might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many accident victims tell on themselves just by having casual conversation with an insurance adjuster.

Insurance companies, their attorneys, the at-fault party and everyone who comes to their aid are not your friends. They do not have your best interests in mind. Keep conversations with these people brief, to the point, and avoid discussing your opinions or anything besides the main facts about the crash (date, location, the fact you suffered an injury, etc.). As your attorney will tell you, less is more when dealing with the other party’s onslaught of questions.

Do Not Agree to a Settlement Right Away

Regardless how much you need the money, you should avoid agreeing to an insurance company’s settlement offer immediately after the accident. The offer will probably be worth much less than the true value of your claim when you consider car repair or replacement costs, medical bills, loss of wages and other expenses.

Insurers send adjusters to quickly assess and estimate losses. To try to lower costs, insurers will make victims believe the offered amount is all they are entitled to receive. This is one of the reasons meeting with a lawyer can be very helpful. He or she can try to determine the full value of your claim.

Do Not Give a Recorded Statement

Admitting fault, even unintentionally, can cause you to receive less compensation than you deserve. If you are asked to give a recorded statement, kindly request the presence of an attorney prior to giving it.

Having an attorney review your situation and investigate the accident can allow him or her to get a better understanding of what happened and the damages you suffered. Then he or she can explain if and when it is in your best interest to give a recorded statement and what to say.

Do Not Wait to File an Insurance Claim

It is always best to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. If you wait, you might pass the insurance company’s deadline for filing a claim. If you are late, you might lose the right to pursue insurance compensation or the process could become much more difficult because the adjuster could be suspicious about your injuries.

Do Not Wait to Get Medical Treatment

Severe head injuries, broken bones, bruised lungs, even whiplash injuries are serious enough that you will want treatment immediately since major injuries could lead to long-term health problems if left untreated.

However, even if your injuries seem to be minor, you should seek treatment right away. Waiting can make the entire process more difficult because the insurance company might say your injuries are unrelated to the accident.

Contact an Attorney Today for a Free Consultation

Your injuries could affect you for a long time, causing limitations that make it difficult to work and requiring long-term treatment. This is why you could benefit from working with a lawyer.

The attorneys at PKSD understand what you are going through and how to pursue the compensation you deserve. Your consultation is free and we do not charge for our services unless you receive fair compensation.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today or call 414-333-3333 .