By avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure you navigate the aftermath of your car accident properly. Doing so will prevent inflated costs down the road. If you were involved in a car crash in Kennesaw, Atlanta, or anywhere else in Georgia, call the Weinstein Firm for a free case review.
Not Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it is critical that you seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline and shock can mask internal injuries. Failure to get checked out by a doctor after an accident could have serious health consequences and jeopardize any insurance claims.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Head to the emergency room or call 911 for an ambulance if there are any visible injuries or symptoms like pain, dizziness, or nausea. Internal bleeding or organ damage will not always be apparent right away.
See your doctor as soon as possible after the accident for a comprehensive exam to check for any internal injuries or whiplash. Whiplash can cause chronic neck pain if left untreated. Your health and safety should be the top priority, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Keep Your Medical Records
Get thoroughly evaluated by medical professionals to establish an official record of any injuries from the accident. This medical record will be important for insurance companies and in any legal proceedings resulting from the accident.
Follow all instructions from doctors carefully regarding rest, physical therapy, medication, or further testing. Some injuries may require ongoing treatment and reevaluation. Compliance with recommended treatment will aid your recovery and support any claims.
Follow Medical Advice
Seeking prompt medical attention after any car accident is critical for your health, recovery, and legal rights. No matter how insignificant an accident may seem at the time, internal injuries are not always immediately apparent. Following doctor recommendations carefully will set you on the path to recovery and help establish an official record of injuries sustained.
Not Contacting an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Here are some of the problems you could face if you don’t retain an attorney.
Unfair Treatment by Insurance Adjusters
Regrettably, it’s not uncommon for insurance adjusters to treat claimants unfairly following accidents. They often pose biased questions to the injured motorists, aiming to elicit statements that could potentially harm their case.
Inadequate Compensation
Without an attorney, you may not receive fair compensation for your losses. An attorney can also engage in negotiations with insurance companies to ensure that a claimant receives just compensation for their losses. If the defense is unwilling to agree to a reasonable settlement, the lawyer can then advocate for the plaintiff’s best interests in court.
Risk of Undermining Your Case
Without proper legal advice, you may inadvertently say something that could be used against you in your case. For example, the insurance company could treat a simple “I’m sorry” as an admission that you were at fault.
An attorney can advise you on what to say and what not to say, protecting you from unintentionally hurting your case.
Failing to Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
It is critical to collect as much evidence from the scene as possible before leaving. You will want to compile photographic evidence, get contact information from witnesses, and note environmental details. It’s also important to get a copy of the police report.
Photographic Evidence
Photograph or take videos showing things like traffic signs, signals, and road conditions. Look for any factors that could have contributed to causing the accident. Details such as the weather, time of day, and visibility can also provide context about the conditions surrounding the incident.
Taking photos of the vehicles involved, including license plate numbers, can provide important details about the position and condition of the cars following impact. Photograph the entire scene from multiple angles, capturing any skid marks, debris, or other notable features.
Witness Statements
Get contact information, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses, from any witnesses who stopped at the scene. Their accounts of how the accident occurred can be invaluable. Politely ask them for a written statement about what they observed while the details are still fresh in their minds.
The evidence and statements you collect immediately following an accident may make all the difference in determining liability. The details you capture can help protect you legally and facilitate the insurance claim process.
If you were in a wreck in Kennesaw, Atlanta, or anywhere in Georgia, our attorneys are here to help you. Contact the Weinstein Firm at 770-HELP-NOW as soon as possible after your accident to avoid any costly mistakes.
