If you’re in a car or motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to compensation for injuries and other damages depending on the fault of the accident. If you think you might be entitled to such compensation, how you react in the hours, days and weeks after the accident can play a big role in whether you receive what you’re owed.
At the offices of William Rawlings& Associates, LLC, we can help. With an experienced car accident injury attorney at your side, you can navigate all the areas of this process. Here are some common mistakes we see people make after an accident, plus how to avoid these.
The period directly following the accident are some of the most important for your case, and if you’re physically and mentally capable, you need to be as alert as possible. For starters, never leave the scene too quickly – you need time to get all the proper documentation, pictures, witness statements and police documents. On top of this, even if you weren’t at fault in the accident, it’s possible to be charged with a hit-and-run if you leave too quickly.
Another important area here: Seeking immediate medical attention, no matter how major or minor your injuries might be. Some car accident injuries don’t show symptoms for a while, and seeing a doctor also provides documentation.
Down these lines, it’s important to keep track of everything you can in written form. Police reports, medical invoices, lost wage records, drug receipts and any communication with insurance companies should be kept, as should pictures of the scene. If you deal with significant pain in the days and weeks following the accident, document this as well.
Oftentimes, you’ll be presented an initial offer from the defendant or their insurance company where they press you to simply get things over with and accept immediately. Except in rare cases, you shouldn’t accept this – first offers are usually far too low, designed to get you to go away. Our attorneys can usually get you far more.
Maybe the biggest mistake of all? Not hiring a personal injury attorney to attend to your case. Our lawyers have years of experience and have seen every possible trick insurance companies might try to throw at you – we can get you your just compensation no matter what.
For more on the common mistakes in a car accident situation, or to learn about any of our personal injury services, speak to the attorneys at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, LLC today.