A car accident can cause pain and, in some cases, permanent injuries. Luckily, you can file an auto accident lawsuit or insurance claim to help you cater for costs such as lost wages, medical bills, and suffering and pain. However, the steps and decisions you make after the car accident can significantly impact your claim value or your eligibility for compensation.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek the services of an experienced and reputable attorney such as car accident attorney Seattle who will advocate and fight to secure appropriate compensation for damages as quickly as possible.
An experienced car accident attorney will assist you in avoiding the following common mistakes after an auto accident.
Failure to call law enforcers to the accident scene
Some victims fail to call the police when involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, in some states, the law requires that you report any accident that involves bodily injury, death, or property damage of over five hundred dollars.
Leaving the car accident Scene
Whether you cause the car accident or not, you erode your integrity and potential damage claim when you quit the accident scene. Anyone involved in an auto accident should stay at the accident scene, exchange information, and assist the injured in getting the required medical attention.
Failure to seek immediate medical help
Often insurance companies will try to reduce the victim’s claim value or deny claims by arguing that the accident victim’s injuries are not serious or the victim had previous injuries. Having a medical expert examine you soon after an auto accident ensures that any physical injuries, discomfort, or pain are part of a medical report.
Admitting Fault
Lawyers and insurance companies thoroughly investigate auto accident claims to uncover facts to shift some blame or determine liability. If a driver admits fault, he or she assists the other party. Admitting guilt is equivalent to taking a financial liability for all the damages in an auto accident.
Failure to gather evidence
Some accidents can be so severe that the victim is unable to collect evidence. In such cases, law enforcement agents gather evidence for report filing. However, when car accidents happen and drivers are not seriously injured, it is advisable to collect their evidence.
Accepting the first compensation offer
Insurers do not fancy paying claims. They will often try to reduce the financial burden to the minimum. One of the tactics they employ is to propose a quick compensation to victims. Usually, the offer is low but sufficiently tempting to victims struggling with finances due to a car accident.