5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Car Accident Injury Claim
Car crashes can lead to painful injuries and significant financial losses. If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses and vehicle repair costs. However, filing a successful personal injury claim and recovering compensation can be complicated, and making mistakes during the process will reduce your chances of success.
Not Properly Documenting the Accident
If you are able to do so safely, make sure to document everything related to the accident as best as you can. This may include taking photos and videos of the scene, gathering statements from eyewitnesses, and keeping all of your bills, invoices, repair estimates, and other financial documentation. All this evidence will help support your injury claim and solidify your case against other parties involved in the accident.
Failing to Get Medical Attention
After being involved in a car accident, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately. Even if there are no visible signs of injury, it is still wise to be examined by a medical professional in order to rule out any long-term damage or complications from hidden injuries such as concussions or whiplash which might not be immediately apparent after the accident occurs but could cause serious health issues over time if left untreated.
Accepting an Insurance Settlement Too Quickly
You should never accept an insurance settlement without consulting with a lawyer first. The auto insurance company may offer an amount that is much lower than what you deserve. Depending on the facts of your case, the insurance company may deny your claim altogether. Most insurance companies are interested in reducing the amount they pay out to accident victims so you will want someone on your side advocating for the best possible settlement.
Not Keeping Track of Expenses
Keep track of all the expenses related to your injuries, including such as medical bills, the cost of transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, lost income caused by missed work, vehicle repair costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. The better documentation you have of your financial expenditures, the easier it is to get compensation for these expenses.
Sharing Too Much Information on Social Media
It may be hard to believe, but what you say on social media can influence your car accident injury claim. For example, if you post a picture of you playing with your children at a park, the insurance company may use this as a reason to argue that your injuries are not as serious as your claim they are. It can be hard to know what will and will not influence your claim so most lawyers recommend taking a break from social media while the case is ongoing.
Source:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewarnold/2018/12/30/heres-how-social-media-can-be-used-against-you-in-court/
