In the days, weeks, and months after a car accident, you may feel like you’re in over your head. Serious injuries demand your attention day and night, but you’re also trying to navigate a complicated insurance claim or legal process.
Making mistakes in the aftermath of a car accident is understandable, but unfortunately, doing so can impact your ability to secure adequate compensation. Learn a few common mistakes after a car accident to avoid from experienced accident lawyers in Mobile, AL.
Mistake #1: Admitting Fault, Even Inadvertently
Initially, you may not be sure who was at fault for your car accident. The details may feel blurry, and the adrenaline you experience from the crash can cause you to misremember what happened. But no matter what you remember from the crash, avoid admitting fault in any way.
This includes saying statements like “I’m sorry” or “I should have been paying closer attention.” These statements may sound kind in theory, but they will show up in the police report, and the insurance company or other party can use them against you as an admission of fault.
Mistake #2: Not Seeking Medical Attention Soon After the Accident
The adrenaline you feel from the car accident can mask injuries that require your immediate attention. Don’t assume any pain you notice is simply bruises and sore muscles from the jolt of the accident. Instead, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to rule out potentially serious injuries.
If needed, a medical professional can complete a full-body examination to look for any underlying injuries you may not have initially noticed. This way, you can begin undergoing treatment immediately and improve your chances of recovery.
Seeking immediate medical attention also serves as valuable evidence in your car accident case. You can clearly pinpoint the exact injuries you experienced from the crash and tie just compensation to them.
Mistake #3: Posting on Social Media About the Accident (or Anything Else)
You may feel tempted to post about your car accident on Facebook or other social media platforms. This could be an efficient way of updating your family and friends about your condition and seeking well-wishes from others, but it isn’t a good idea for your car accident case.
The defense can take anything you post on social media and use it against you. If the details you provide on Facebook even slightly differ from the details you give the insurance company, the defense could argue that you misremembered the accident and your testimony is unreliable.
Further, you should avoid making any social media posts during your case. This is one of the often-overlooked common mistakes after a car accident. Even a seemingly innocent photo of you spending time with family could indicate that your injuries are not as bad as you made them seem, hurting your case.
Mistake #4: Making Recorded Statements Without an Attorney Present
Anything you say about your car accident can be used against you in your insurance claim or lawsuit. This is especially true for recorded statements.
Insurance companies often ask for recorded statements to make their investigation process a bit easier. They can refer back to your exact words about the accident and use this evidence to support their claims process. Recorded statements can also serve as evidence against you in your lawsuit.
Avoid making any recorded statements without an attorney present to help you avoid saying the wrong thing. Always ask insurance adjusters and the defendant’s legal counsel whether they are recording your conversation, and assume that they are.
Mistake #5: Accepting a Quick Settlement That Doesn’t Cover All Your Damages
Car accident lawsuits often settle out of court, which means the defendant offers the plaintiff a sum of money without a judge’s intervention. Expect a settlement offer to come your way before your court date — but avoid accepting an offer that doesn’t adequately cover your damages.
You may feel tempted to take the first offer you receive just so you can avoid the headache of future settlement negotiations or court dates. But this is one of the more common mistakes after a car accident. Typically, the first settlement offer for motor vehicle collisions is a lowball one. You may stand to gain a higher settlement by being patient and giving your attorney time to negotiate on your behalf.
Mistake #6: Skipping Medical Appointments — Or Seeking Unnecessary Treatment
The judge in your car accident case wants to see that you are taking measures to support your physical recovery. You should attend all medical appointments, follow your doctor’s orders, take medications as instructed, undergo physical therapy, and follow any other recommended actions to help your body heal.
If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions, the judge may assume your case is not worth as much as you say it is because the severity of your injuries is partially due to your own neglect. On the flip side, you shouldn’t seek unnecessary medical treatment just to inflate your medical expenses. Assume the defense will find out about this behavior and use it against you during your case.
Mistake #7: Failing To Hire Experienced Legal Representation
The skill and experience of your attorney make all the difference in your car accident case. Not hiring the right attorney is one of the common mistakes after a car accident that can seriously hurt your compensation.
You may want to look for a car accident attorney who practices in Mobile, AL, and has experience with your type of accident. Your attorney should be an excellent communicator and have case studies to back up their success rates. It’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with an attorney to learn more about their skillset before hiring them.
Jackson & Foster Law: Your Mobile Car Accident Attorneys
Avoid common mistakes after a car accident, like accepting a low settlement offer, by hiring our knowledgeable and passionate legal team. Contact Jackson & Foster Law today at 251-433-6699 to schedule your case evaluation.
