Common mistakes people make after a car accident include unintentionally admitting fault and failing to get medical care or document accident-related symptoms. Car accidents are uncommon for most, so many people don’t think about how they’ll react when a collision happens. Hiring an attorney can be immensely helpful, as they can guide your next steps and prevent you from making costly mistakes.
Common Mistakes Car Accident Victims Make
Even if the client has made a mistake that hampers their pursuit of fair compensation, an attorney can assess the damage. Injury victims shouldn’t be unfairly compensated because an insurance adjuster twists their well-meaning apology.
We also recommend avoiding the following:
- Apologizing to others involved in the accident: To apologize is a common human instinct, even when it’s unclear whether we have done anything wrong. However, if you apologize to others involved in your accident, it could give the appearance that you caused the accident. Insurance companies and civil defense lawyers may use this against you.
- Refusing medical care (or delaying additional treatment): Pride or the misconception that you’re not seriously injured could lead you to refuse medical care that you may need. If you refuse medical care, though, it will give the impression that you didn’t suffer injuries during the accident. It is critical that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if you refused care at the accident scene. Don’t delay medical treatment due to financial concerns, either. That’s what your attorneys are there to help you recover.
- Giving a recorded statement before you’re prepared: If you give a recorded statement that is inaccurate or incomplete, the statement could damage your case. There may be ways to rectify a flawed statement you’ve already given to an insurance company or law enforcement officer. An attorney can help you navigate this process.
- Failing to document injury symptoms: You should keep a journal, take photographs of injuries, and take any other steps to document your accident-related injuries.
- Failing to secure all accident-related evidence: We encourage you to get a copy of the police report, photograph damage to your vehicle, and keep any other evidence from your accident. While our team will secure additional evidence, we’ll make use of any existing evidence you provide us.
- Accepting a quick settlement: Insurance companies may offer quick settlements, hoping that the accident victim accepts fast money instead of waiting for fair money. Once you accept a settlement, it typically frees the insurer of further financial liability.
These are just a few of the mistakes people make after car accidents. Car accident attorneys take full control of the cases they handle, ensuring that such mistakes do not undermine your case for compensation.
What Are the Consequences of These Mistakes?
If a car accident victim makes one or more mistakes after their collision, those mistakes may:
- Prevent the victim from getting any compensation
- Reduce the value of any insurance settlement the victim eventually receives
- Reduce the likelihood of a successful lawsuit
- Reduce the value of a lawsuit settlement or verdict
Making a mistake does not mean your case for compensation is over. A capable lawyer may still be able to get all the money you are entitled to. However, you will want to hire your attorney as soon as possible to guide you and fight for your financial recovery.
How Hiring an Attorney Can Benefit Your Health and Your Case
The National Safety Council (NSC) explains that the cost of car accidents escalates based on the severity of injuries, with the most serious accidents costing an average of nearly $2 million in economic costs alone. You may deserve a large sum for your damages, but you have to go through the process to access your compensation—nobody is going to hand the money over voluntarily.
Hiring the right attorney could be key to getting the money you deserve with the littlest impact to your health and routine. Injury victims who handle their cases alone may experience:
- Compromised physical health
- Worsened mental health, as insurance claims and lawsuits can be stressful and energy-intensive
- Struggles to build a strong case due to inexperience, time constraints, and health limitations
- Failure to secure fair compensation for the scope of their damages
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
An attorney from will manage every detail of your case, including:
- Securing all evidence that benefits your case
- Interviewing witnesses to the accident
- Calculating the cost of your accident-related damages
- Documenting your damages with medical records, employment records, and other useful documents
- Hiring any experts whose services will strengthen your case
- Negotiating a settlement
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
They will also deal with insurance companies who may work hard to withhold the money you deserve. Our team will prepare you to make recorded statements, manage communications with insurers, and ensure you’re safe from attempted rights violations.
Car Accident Victims Are Often Entitled to These Compensatory Damages
Your recoverable damages are unique to you. They often include the physical, personal, and financial costs of the accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income, diminished earning power, missed bonuses and promotions, and other professional damages
- Pain and suffering
- Temporary transportation expenses
- Counseling, medications, and other treatment for pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs
- Replacement of a totaled vehicle
- Any other property expenses from your accident
No two car accident victims have exactly the same damages. Attorneys work with economists, medical professionals, and other experts to identify and value a client’s recoverable damages.
Missing the Filing Deadline Is a Costly Mistake
You have a limited time to file your car accident case. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 generally requires that you submit both personal injury and wrongful death cases within two years of the car accident.
Missing this deadline could result in your case being barred or thrown out. In addition, the insurance company could refuse to negotiate for a more suitable settlement if the statute of limitations for your lawsuit expires.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today for a Free Consultation About Your Case
A car accident attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins is ready to fight for your financial recovery today. Call in the Strong Arm to fight for you.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
