There are more than 13 million vehicle collisions each year, and almost all of them involve car accident claims. That said, knowing what to do after a car accident is essential, especially if you want to get compensated for all your losses.
Here are 5 common mistakes that often derail car accident claims and how to avoid them.
1. Lacking a Full Understanding of Your Insurer’s Procedures
Not understanding your insurance policy can greatly harm your car accident claim later on. For instance, you may not know the answers to questions like
- How long after a car accident can you claim injury?
- Which medical expenses are covered?
- Will taking a car accident settlement affect your monthly premium?
You don’t have to know these by heart either—insurance providers often send out pamphlets detailing their claim-filing process, so just keep one of these in your glove compartment.
2. Not Getting the Police Report
It’s not possible to get a police report on the spot, so all drivers leave without one.
The mistake, however, is not getting the station’s address and the badge number of the officer who attended the call. When you collect this information from the police officer, you can call a day or two later and discuss the options for choosing your report.
3. Leaving Without Collecting Key Information
One of the biggest mistakes that will diminish your chances of winning your car wreck claim is leaving without collecting certain information.
If possible, you want to collect eyewitness contact details, note weather conditions, take pictures, and collect other key information.
4. Making Statements of Blame or Taking Responsibility
Even when they seem minor, car accidents can be a blur. Instead of taking responsibility on the spot, avoid making any statement of blame. Even if your actions played a limited role, there is always the chance to reach an auto accident settlement and make things right without making it public.
5. Taking Legal Matters Into Your Own Hands
Filing a car crash claim is a complex process that requires mastery of the legal system. Rather than taking matters into your own hands to lower the expenses on your car crash settlement, it’s best to contact an experienced attorney who can help you build a winning case while you make a full recovery from your injuries.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve
We hope that this article has helped you understand what to do when in a car accident and how to get the best legal help. There are millions of car accidents every year in the US, so take the time to understand your insurance policy, get the police report, collect crucial information, and follow the other steps we detailed above.
At The Taylor Law Firm, we have helped countless victims get the compensation they deserve to cover the pain and suffering, loss of wages, medical bills, and other expenses that come as a result of the negligence or actions of another party.
Contact us to discuss your case, and we’ll help you determine the type of compensation you deserve.
