The time after a car accident can be overwhelming, primarily if you have been injured. But you want to make sure that you don’t inadvertently hinder your ability to get compensated for your injuries after an accident. Keep these things in mind after an accident and don’t make these mistakes.
Not Seeking Medical Care
You may believe you have not been injured. Unfortunately, after an accident, you may not feel any symptoms even if you are injured. This is because your body goes into survival mode and adrenaline and other hormones are released into your system. This is the body’s natural reaction in a survival situation. But this can also dull pain or symptoms of injuries. It is important to get medical attention if only to rule out any injuries.
Not Following Through on Medical Advice
Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and take any medication as directed. If you are ordered to see any doctors or get treatment as part of your insurance requirements, make sure to do this. If it comes down to filing an injury claim, you don’t want to establish yourself as someone who is not motivated to recover or willing to mitigate injuries. Keep all receipts of medical care and expenses.
Not Taking Photographs
In the case of injuries, photographs are important evidence. Not only photographs of the injuries but also photographs of the scene of the accident and other cars. When it comes to injury claims, visuals are very effective tools in order to prove injuries and exactly what took place, whether to your insurance company or to a judge.
Not Getting Witness Information
Having eyewitnesses to the accident is important evidence as well. If there were people who witnessed the accident, make sure to get their names and contact numbers.
Signing Forms You Don’t Understand
Make sure you understand anything you are signing when it comes to an insurance claim. In many cases, insurance adjusters will try to downplay injuries. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position after an accident by signing things you don’t understand.
Giving Statements to Your Insurance Company
Considering the previous paragraph, you will also want to be very careful what you tell an insurance representative. Before you do this, it’s always in your best interest to consult with a Huntsville personal injury lawyer to understand your rights.
You want to give your insurance company the basic information but you are not legally required to give any other information. In many cases, insurance companies can ask questions that will invariably lead to a smaller settlement for your injuries. Always assume anything you tell them is being recorded.
After an accident, it may be to your advantage to get the legal advice of a Huntsville injury lawyer. Not having a professional in your corner may be the biggest mistake of them all. If you have been injured in an accident, call the legal team at A M Injury Law for a free consultation.