By Sara Cannings
Victims of car accidents go through a barrage of overwhelming physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burden. Getting compensation can soothe these pains, but the processes involved in claiming are never easy.
Sadly, quite a number of victims unknowingly make mistakes that can actually reduce the compensation they can get. Such pitfalls can easily be avoided with skilled legal representation.
Experienced car accident attorneys can educate a victim on the procedure, rights, and process of building a strong case. Their expertise ensures victims maximize their chances of securing fair compensation.
Here are some common mistakes made by car accident victims that have a negative impact on their compensation.
One of the worst mistakes made by the victim of a car accident is not immediately visiting a doctor.
People often have the wrong idea that they can wait to see a doctor since they do not feel pain right away. Not seeking immediate medical attention after the accident weakens your claim, as an insurance company or court might question the seriousness of the injuries. More importantly, prompt medical documentation strengthens your case by directly relating the injuries to the accident.
After a car accident, it is natural to be polite, but the consequences of admitting fault or apologizing can be serious. Even if you feel you may have been partially responsible for the crash, do not admit fault or apologize to the other party involved.
Such statements may be used against you when negotiating your compensation. It is always best to leave the determination of fault to the police report and lawyers. Never make statements that can be interpreted as admitting fault without consulting with your attorney.
Many victims make the mistake of delaying the filing of their claim, thinking they have plenty of time to gather information or deal with other aspects of the accident.
However, most states have a statute of limitations that sets a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
In New York, for example, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to file a lawsuit. This is why it's crucial to act quickly and consult with an attorney to ensure your claim is filed on time.
After an accident, victims may underestimate the value of their claim by either accepting the first settlement offer from the insurance company or by failing to account for all of their losses.
Insurance companies often offer low settlements early on, hoping victims will accept them without fully understanding the extent of their injuries or damages. It's important to keep track of all medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs.
Working with experienced attorneys can help ensure that you get a fair assessment of the value of your claim and avoid settling for less than you deserve.