If you’re involved in a car accident, how you respond to it determines the outcome of the legal process. Whether you’re at fault or not, there are certain steps that you should take that can push the odds in your favor of receiving fair compensation.
Let’s look at the ten most probable mistakes you can make when you’re involved in a car accident in Gilbert, AZ.
1. Admitting Guilt or Apologizing
>One of people’s most common reflexes when involved in an accident is to apologize. In your mind, this is a natural first step to resolving things quickly. But saying “I’m sorry,” or anything to that effect is inadvisable and may put your case in jeopardy. The best thing you can do is not say anything to anyone until you contact a lawyer.
2. Not Taking Pictures of the Accident
If you are physically able, the first thing you should do in an accident is gather evidence on the scene. Click photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Write down the names of the witnesses and their contact information. Getting enough evidence related to your car accident gives your car accident lawyer a head start, at getting the case in your favor. The police will not always gather this type of evidence on their own or may not record the evidence in their accident report.
3. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Depending on the severity of the accident, you might need immediate medical attention. Neglecting this can put you at huge risk, especially in case of life-threatening injuries. It is vital that you stop any bleeding with first aid available at hand. Make sure that you call emergency services in the event of a bad crash, and they can save your life.
4. Not Calling Law Enforcement
Calling law enforcement should be your first course of action right after an accident has occurred. The officers who arrive on the scene can be invaluable when collecting evidence and preparing a crash report. It can help your lawyer reconstruct the scene of the accident and help you win your case.
5. Not Talking to a Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important things you should do if you aren’t grievously injured is call a car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and the strength of your claim. They can identify if you have a viable case and conduct the required steps to ensure you can win it. Hiring an accident lawyer can be the best way to get the right compensation in an accident.
6. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
After an accident, most people make the mistake of accepting the first settlement offer they get from the insurance adjusters. While it might seem like they’re on your side, the truth is that most insurance adjusters take advantage of an accident victim. Ideally, you should first hire a lawyer before you even talk to your insurance agency to maximize the chances of fair compensation.
7. Waiting Too Long to File a Case
Another mistake that people seem to repeat is forgetting to file the case quickly. Depending on where you are from, there are time limits in place for accident claim filing. If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can advise you about these limits before they run out. In most cases, once the deadline is over, then your chance to file a case is gone forever.
8. Not Reporting a Traffic Incident
When trying to build your case after a car accident, one of the biggest errors you can make is not reporting it. When an accident lawyer is fighting your case, they need official documentation from law enforcement and medical staff to prove your innocence and strengthen your position. In most cases, after accidents, people will change their stories to minimize their fault and involvement. An official report ensures there is a consistent, unchanging narrative to the accident.
9. Not Asking Enough Questions
When engaging an accident lawyer’s services, it is important to ask questions. You need to know if they have overseen cases like yours before. It is also critical to know about their records in similar cases and your chances of winning the case. At Koglmeier Law Group, PLC, our lawyers are professionals, so they will give you accurate and factual answers when replying to any of your questions.
10. Not Being Honest with Your Lawyer
When you’ve been in a car accident, simply hiring a car accident lawyer is not enough. You also need to ensure that you’re completely honest with them about the accident and your actions. Recount the accident’s events as accurately as you remember without omitting any facts. Remember that the lawyer is on your side, and lying to them can put your entire case at risk.