Picture this, guys! You’ve been in a car accident, and you feel overwhelmed by the aftermath. Sounds scary enough, doesn’t it? But imagine making a blunder that could potentially cost you hundreds of dollars in compensation. Hits like a thunderbolt, right? Unfortunately, this happens to more victims than you might think.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, there were an estimated 42,915 road accident fatalities in 2021 in the US. With so many accidents happening and people losing lives every year, it’s crucial to know how to handle mishaps.
In fact, you must also be aware of things you shouldn’t do. Are you guilty of a blunder that could cost you your car accident compensation? Let’s highlight the most common ones.
Blunder #1- Missing out on medical attention ASAP
You’re tough like a warrior- that’s what you think. You don’t need a doctor to confirm your injuries. But here’s one thing you must know- if you don’t seek medical attention ASAP, it can seriously hurt your chances of claiming the compensation you deserve.
Why? Because insurance company lawyers try to argue that your injuries weren’t sustained in the accident. Alternatively, they may argue that you’re not as severely injured as you claim. So, even if you feel fit after the accident, get checked out by a doctor. Your body and your wallet will surely thank you.
While insurance companies may provide a list of doctors, it’s important to note that you have the right to choose your healthcare provider, including a doctor specialized in treating car accident injuries. Opting for a doctor with experience in handling auto accident injuries can offer several advantages. They are more likely to conduct thorough examinations to identify hidden or delayed symptoms.
Additionally, an auto accident injury doctor can also help you navigate the complex process of recovering from a car accident. They can generate detailed medical reports outlining the extent of your injuries, recommended treatments, and estimated recovery times. These reports can serve as valuable evidence in any legal proceedings or insurance claims related to the accident.
Blunder #2- Not gathering evidence
You know what the guilty party may say- pics or it didn’t happen at all. And car accidents are no exceptions to the rule of evidence. If you don’t collect proof at the scene, you may lose the compensation that’s rightfully yours. Get as much as possible, from photos to witness statements and police reports.
Skipping the evidence gives insurance companies an opportunity to argue that the mishap was your fault, or that it didn’t happen the way you narrate. So, snap some pics and videos, take a copy of police reports, and get some witness statements right away.
Consider preserving includes medical records and bills, prescription information, vehicle repair estimates and invoices, documentation of lost wages, surveillance footage, details about weather and road conditions, phone records if distracted driving is suspected, accident reconstruction reports in complex cases, photographs of injuries, and journal entries documenting your physical and emotional state post-accident. To preserve this evidence effectively, make digital copies and store them securely, such as in a cloud-based service. If you have an attorney, share all relevant evidence with them for organization and presentation during negotiations or legal proceedings for a successful case.
Blunder #3- Delaying filing a claim
Filing a claim can be a painful process when you’re already hurt and shocked. You’ve got to deal with paperwork, photos, phone calls, and bureaucratic complications. But if you delay filing a claim, the compensation may never come. Even if you get it, the amount may not be good enough. The negligent driver will get enough time to build their defense.
Experts at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal recommend collaborating with a personal injury specialist right after the accident. Don’t wait because it can weaken your case.
Blunder #4- Not disclosing pre-existing injuries
Okay, listen up, because this one is crucial. Not disclosing any previous injuries could seriously hurt your chances of getting the rightful compensation. Why? Because insurance companies will use your pre-existing injuries as a strategy to prove that you weren’t injured in the accident.
So, don’t be shy about the disclosure- even if your injuries and conditions are not related to the accident. It’s better to be upfront than to get caught in a lie later.
Blunder #5- Giving a statement without a lawyer
Remember that loose lips sink ships, and it applies to car accident victims. If you give a recorded statement to the insurance company without having your lawyer around, you may end up losing the claim.
Insurers have street-smart lawyers who try every trick in the book to twist your words and use them against you. Keep your mouth shut and don’t say a word without a lawyer present. Likewise, avoid accepting an early settlement, even if the idea of a quick payout sounds exciting.
Blunder #6- Posting on social media
You’ll probably want to share your life with your Instagram fam, but you shouldn’t do it when it comes to car accident compensation. Social media can be a minefield as posting about the accident or your injuries could seriously hurt your compensation chances. Don’t give the insurance company the chance to use your posts against you.
They’ll get enough material to argue that you must not be in as much pain as you claim if you’re posting photos hiking or dancing. So, until your case is resolved, stay off social media. It’ll help!
Conclusion
Getting into a car accident is a daunting nightmare. But don’t let it turn into a financial disaster as well. By avoiding these blunders, you can give yourself the best possible chance of winning the rightful compensation. After all, the negligent driver must pay, and you should get enough to cover the cost of your treatment, pain, and least wages. It is the least you deserve!
6 Blunders That Could Cost You Your Car Accident Compensation
Picture this, guys! You’ve been in a car accident, and you feel overwhelmed by the aftermath. Sounds scary enough, doesn’t it? But imagine making a blunder that could potentially cost you hundreds of dollars in compensation. Hits like a thunderbolt, right? Unfortunately, this happens to more victims than you might think.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, there were an estimated 42,915 road accident fatalities in 2021 in the US. With so many accidents happening and people losing lives every year, it’s crucial to know how to handle mishaps.
In fact, you must also be aware of things you shouldn’t do. Are you guilty of a blunder that could cost you your car accident compensation? Let’s highlight the most common ones.
Blunder #1- Missing out on medical attention ASAP
You’re tough like a warrior- that’s what you think. You don’t need a doctor to confirm your injuries. But here’s one thing you must know- if you don’t seek medical attention ASAP, it can seriously hurt your chances of claiming the compensation you deserve.
Why? Because insurance company lawyers try to argue that your injuries weren’t sustained in the accident. Alternatively, they may argue that you’re not as severely injured as you claim. So, even if you feel fit after the accident, get checked out by a doctor. Your body and your wallet will surely thank you.
Blunder #2- Not gathering evidence
You know what the guilty party may say- pics or it didn’t happen at all. And car accidents are no exceptions to the rule of evidence. If you don’t collect proof at the scene, you may lose the compensation that’s rightfully yours. Get as much as possible, from photos to witness statements and police reports.
Skipping the evidence gives insurance companies an opportunity to argue that the mishap was your fault, or that it didn’t happen the way you narrate. So, snap some pics and videos, take a copy of police reports, and get some witness statements right away.
Blunder #3- Delaying filing a claim
Filing a claim can be a painful process when you’re already hurt and shocked. You’ve got to deal with paperwork, photos, phone calls, and bureaucratic complications. But if you delay filing a claim, the compensation may never come. Even if you get it, the amount may not be good enough. The negligent driver will get enough time to build their defense.
Experts at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal recommend collaborating with a personal injury specialist right after the accident. Don’t wait because it can weaken your case.
Blunder #4- Not disclosing pre-existing injuries
Okay, listen up, because this one is crucial. Not disclosing any previous injuries could seriously hurt your chances of getting the rightful compensation. Why? Because insurance companies will use your pre-existing injuries as a strategy to prove that you weren’t injured in the accident.
So, don’t be shy about the disclosure- even if your injuries and conditions are not related to the accident. It’s better to be upfront than to get caught in a lie later.
Blunder #5- Giving a statement without a lawyer
Remember that loose lips sink ships, and it applies to car accident victims. If you give a recorded statement to the insurance company without having your lawyer around, you may end up losing the claim.
Insurers have street-smart lawyers who try every trick in the book to twist your words and use them against you. Keep your mouth shut and don’t say a word without a lawyer present. Likewise, avoid accepting an early settlement, even if the idea of a quick payout sounds exciting.
Blunder #6- Posting on social media
You’ll probably want to share your life with your Instagram fam, but you shouldn’t do it when it comes to car accident compensation. Social media can be a minefield as posting about the accident or your injuries could seriously hurt your compensation chances. Don’t give the insurance company the chance to use your posts against you.
They’ll get enough material to argue that you must not be in as much pain as you claim if you’re posting photos hiking or dancing. So, until your case is resolved, stay off social media. It’ll help!
Conclusion
Getting into a car accident is a daunting nightmare. But don’t let it turn into a financial disaster as well. By avoiding these blunders, you can give yourself the best possible chance of winning the rightful compensation. After all, the negligent driver must pay, and you should get enough to cover the cost of your treatment, pain, and least wages. It is the least you deserve!