Knowing what you should and shouldn’t do after a car accident is essential.
If you were in a car accident, you have likely suffered physically, emotionally, and even financially. If the accident was due to the negligence or carelessness of the other driver, you could claim compensation for losses incurred after the accident. You could receive coverage for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, property damage, and more.
However, insurance companies will work against you to limit or prevent you from receiving fair compensation. Knowing what you should and shouldn’t do after a car accident is essential. Here are some common mistakes that can affect your car accident claim.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
It is critical to seek immediate medical treatment to properly heal your injuries. In addition, your medical condition and treatment are vital evidence of your car accident claim. When you delay treatment, the negligent driver or the insurance company might claim that your injuries are not serious. Visiting the doctor immediately after the accident helps to prevent such false claims and will act as factual evidence that your injuries resulted from the car accident. More importantly, some injuries, such as internal bleeding and fractured bones, may go undetected and only appear later.
Failing to Obtain a Police Report
Another mistake that can ruin your car accident claim is not calling the police and not filing a police report. A police report can and usually does play a significant role in determining fault and ensuring that the victims have a case. The police report contains critical information about the accident, such as factual evidence, eyewitness accounts, injuries, and written statements. Having a police report filed at the scene of the accident is one of the best things for your case.
Admitting Fault
Even if you think you may be partially responsible for the accident, admitting fault to the other driver can devastate your claim. Maryland is a contributory negligence state, which means you will not recover compensation if your negligence contributed to the accident. While honesty is important, many people assume they were at fault when they were not. Contacting a car accident attorney before admitting fault to the other driver or insurance company is recommended.
Accepting a Quick Settlement
After a severe car accident, insurance companies know that accident victims are often stressed and will call with an offer. Their offer will likely be much less than what you deserve, but if you agree to this settlement, they will close your file, and you won’t have a chance to pursue any further action. There is no way to know how much compensation should be given until all the factors are considered. Thus, hiring an experienced attorney to handle all negotiations with the insurance company is imperative.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.