It can be hard to know what to do after a car accident. There are common mistakes that many people make because they don’t know any better. Read below to learn about some mistakes to avoid after a car accident that will help you have a more successful claim in the long run.
If you have been injured, contact the Birmingham car accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today at (205) 944-1500 or use our online contact form.
1. Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault
It might be in your nature to apologize when something goes wrong; however, the other driver may interpret this as admission of fault. In fact, you should avoid discussing the details of the accident with anyone at the scene. You can explain your side of the story to the police officer, but stick to the facts and only state what you completely remember. Don’t make assumptions or guess about details.
If the other driver tries to blame you, ignore them. Do not engage in a heated discussion at the scene of the accident. Even if the police officer issues you a ticket, do not admit fault. We can conduct an independent investigation later to determine who was really negligent and caused the accident.
2. Don’t Post Too Much on Facebook
Social media can be a great way to stay in contact with friend and family, but updating them about every detail of your car accident can be a mistake. In particular, if you say that “you’ve had an accident, but you’re fine,” the insurance company may try to reduce your compensation because you are not seriously injured.
The insurance company for the at fault driver will likely request your social media posts about the accident as well as a record of text messages around the time of the accident. We don’t want anything to compromise the amount of money you can get from them. It’s best to post less and get more in the long run.
3. Don’t Sign Documents From the Insurance Company
Sometimes insurance companies try to push a claim through quickly and give you as little as possible. They will often try to get to the victim before they contact a lawyer. They may even send you documents to sign that will provide them with blanket access to all of your medical records or that will limit your recovery. Do not sign anything until you talk to a car accident attorney.
4. Don’t Forget to Follow Up With Doctors
Most people know to get emergency medical treatment immediately after a car accident, but it can be confusing what to do next. You should always follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations. If your ER doctor refers you to a specialist, you should see them as soon as possible.
Even if you saw an emergency doctor, you should follow up with your primary care physician. Your regular doctor can evaluate how the car accident has impacted other conditions you may have, which also must be considered for compensation.
Don’t stop going to doctors because of a lack of time or money. If you fail to attend necessary doctors’ visits, the insurance company may claim that you are not as hurt as you claim to be. We can help you get transportation to doctors’ offices and negotiate a delay in billing from medical professionals.
5. Don’t Wait to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident claims can move quickly. Also, there are strict deadlines within which you must file a claim with the insurance company, respond, and file a lawsuit, if necessary. A personal injury lawyer can handle the legal process and make sure you meet all of these requirements so you get the most compensation possible.
Call Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today at (205) 944-1500 or use our online contact form to reach out.
