You were in a car accident and are now injured. You are at a loss as to what to do and how to proceed. It is such a convoluted process that it leaves you overwhelmed and frustrated. But don’t let your emotions control your mind and mouth. Unfortunately, many people sabotage their cases by making common car accident claim mistakes. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself after a collision.
Car Accident Claim Mistakes to Avoid
There are many moving parts when you are injured in a car accident and want to file a claim. Many things may fall through the cracks if you are not careful. Please be aware of the common mistakes to avoid, as they may affect your claim and minimize the compensation you can receive. Here is what not to do after a car accident:
- Post on Social Media – It is natural to want to vent your frustrations. But think twice before airing your details for everyone to see, as posting online can harm your claim. Some common social media mistakes in car accident claims include oversharing and downplaying the accident to reassure friends, posting injury updates, and sharing new photographs or videos that contradict your injury claims. Also, it is essential not to accept requests from unknown parties, as it can be an insurance company or someone they hired.
- Delay Medical Treatment – Seeking medical treatment is imperative for your health and your case. Insurance companies may look at your delayed treatment as evidence that your injuries are less severe than your claim states. Additionally, not following up or being proactive with your treatment plans can also be used against you in your claim.
- Talk to the Insurance Company – Communicating with the insurance company may seem innocent. However, this can cause problems down the road with your case as they may use whatever you said to them against you. Hiring a personal injury attorney is crucial to ensure all communications go through a trustworthy and reliable party.
- Accept the First Settlement Offer – Listen, we get it. Fighting with insurance companies is exhausting, and you are waiting for this process to end. You may be tempted to take the first settlement offer that was presented to you. However, this could lead you to unfair compensation. An attorney can help negotiate better recovery and get you a fair settlement offer.
Committing these common and simple mistakes can drastically impact your case. You must avoid these actions and consult a lawyer if unsure how to proceed.
What to Do If You’ve Already Made a Mistake in Your Claim
After reading what not to do, you may ask yourself, “What if I already made these mistakes.” Don’t worry. Here is what you can do from this point forward:
- Avoid Further Errors – Cease all activities listed under the common mistakes. Whether you have posted on social media or delayed medical appointments, you must stop these practices to protect your claim from being affected.
- Provide Additional Evidence – Supplementary evidence such as additional medical records, witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and police reports may help counteract previous mistakes.
- Seek Legal Assistance – Consult a personal injury attorney. Discussing the case’s specifics and being transparent about the mistakes you may have made will help a lawyer better understand how to help you and what “damage control” can be done.
- Reopen a Claim – If your claim was denied due to a mistake, an attorney can help you file an appeal.
It is not too late to file a successful claim, even if you have made mistakes that reduce car accident settlements. Hiring a lawyer will ease this complex legal process and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Proper Steps After a Car Accident Injury
Now that you know what not to do, here is how to file a successful car accident claim:
- Gather Proper Evidence and Documentation – Proper evidence is crucial to your claim. Taking photos, obtaining police reports, gathering medical records, and thoroughly documenting your injuries will help you support your claim.
- Follow Up on Medical Treatment – Following up with your doctor and adhering to their medical advice will help support your injury claim.
- Consult a Lawyer – Contacting a lawyer early on is vital for the best possible outcome for your case.
- Avoid Mistakes – Avoiding actions that can harm your claim will help reduce any surprises in your case.
After hiring a lawyer, they will file a claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in the trial if a settlement is not reached.
Why Insurance Denies Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies often do whatever they can to minimize or deny your claim. The truth of it is they do not want to pay compensation. It is essential to know why they may deny a claim so you can ensure the best possible outcome. This includes:
- Policy Exclusion – The insurance policy may have exclusions or limitations that do not cover the accident, including the type of accident or injuries.
- Lapsed Policy – The insurance company may deny a claim if the insured failed to pay their premiums and let their policy lapse before the accident.
- Fraud or Misrepresentation – The insurance company may deny the claim if it suspects fraud or misrepresentation. This is why it is imperative to avoid the mistakes previously mentioned.
- Disputed Liability – The insurance company may deny a claim if it determines someone else is liable for the accident.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation – The insurance company may deny your claim if the paperwork filed is incomplete or incorrect. This is why hiring an experienced attorney is important, as they can handle the claim for you and ensure everything is filed accurately.
Understanding these reasons can help you know how to maximize a car accident settlement and when to hire a lawyer.
Contact a Watertown Car Accident Attorney Today
You may be entitled to specific compensation if injured in a Watertown car accident. The dedicated car accident lawyers at Turbak Law Office, P.C. are here to explain your rights and represent you in court. We are here if you have any questions regarding the common mistakes made or need help filing a claim. Our firm has over 40 years of experience representing clients just like you. Don’t wait. Call us today at 605-886-8361 or contact us online to connect with a legal team ready to fight for you.