Common Mistakes That Could Jeopardize Your Car Accident Case
Stress and anxiety can build and swell when you are in the moment of just being hit by another driver. This can cause you to make simple yet dire mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of filing a claim for the traffic accident. It is important to know what these mistakes are so you can avoid making them, even when you are in the heat of the moment with a car wreck.
The First Mistake That You Could Make
The very first mistake that you might make, and potentially the biggest mistake you can make, is accidentally admitting fault for the wreck. By admitting fault for the traffic accident, you essentially forgo the chances of filing a successful claim, and you can even strengthen the other driver’s case against you.
All you need to do when you have been involved in a wreck is wait for the police to show up and conduct a formal and thorough investigation. The authorities and insurance companies can determine who is at fault, and from there, you can discern if it is necessary to hire a legal team to file a suit.
Other Potential Pitfalls
It is vital that you call 911 and have both the police and emergency medical services arrive. This is because the police can conduct a formal investigation to determine liability. Additionally, it is helpful for any traffic accident-related lawsuit to have documented evidence of the details of the crash. Do not let the other party convince you to settle things without getting the police involved. They may try to convince you that it will be easier not to muddy things by getting the authorities involved, but this actually only makes things much more difficult when it comes to building a strong case.
Another big blunder that car accident victims make is not contacting emergency medical services. Medical personnel must properly examine you to determine if you have any serious injuries sustained during the crash. You may feel perfectly fine, but adrenaline is coursing through your body, and you might not feel the injury’s effects until hours or days later. Plus, this helps your lawsuit’s chances of securing more financial compensation for personal injuries.
The Most Common Mistake
Another common mistake that victims of car accidents will make is simply not hiring an experienced car accident or personal injury attorney to help them successfully navigate through the turbulent legal world. Knowing when it is justifiable to talk with a seasoned car accident lawyer and file a claim can be tricky. Because of this, some people just elect to not reach out to a motor vehicle accident attorney at all.
Some victims of traffic accidents also believe that hiring a lawyer would be way too expensive and that they could never afford it. These mindsets should not keep you from sitting down and chatting with attorneys following a potentially life-altering event like a motor vehicle accident. Our talented team of car accident attorneys at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC can help hold the at-fault driver liable for their reckless actions and help secure a financial compensation package for you and your family.