Very few people ever believe they will be involved in a car accident and in need of a car accident attorney. As ‘out there’ as the idea may seem, vehicle collisions can happen to anyone. In the United States alone, there are over six million auto accidents every year!
However, without thinking they could ever happen to you, you may see little value in preparing for if they did. It’s then easy to make some of these mistakes below when they do happen.
Refusing Medical Help
Even if you feel okay in the minutes after a car accident happens, it’s essential to accept any medical assistance that’s offered. Adrenaline might be coursing through your veins, masking potentially severe injuries like brain damage, broken bones, or internal injuries.
Alongside being able to get peace of mind through a medical checkup, you also have documentation of any injuries you have sustained. You may be able to use this information to strengthen your personal injury claim, should you decide to make one.
Admitting Fault
A few simple words said at the scene of an accident can change the course of your entire case. “I’m sorry.” “I didn’t see you there.” “I tried to stop.”
In the early stages of an auto accident investigation, establishing the cause of the accident may not be straightforward. You may have hit a car in front of you and thought you were to blame, but you may have been rear-ended first.
Outside forces may play a part in the cause that you don’t immediately realize. Therefore, refrain from admitting fault until you’ve spoken to your chosen Texas car accident attorney.
Talking to an Insurance Adjuster
As helpful as your insurance adjuster can be, they aren’t in the business of handing out money if they can avoid it. Instead, they try to save as much of it as possible.
While you can contact your insurance company to tell them that an accident has happened, only give them basic information. In those early stages, they only need to know that you were involved in an accident in a particular place at a specific time, with X number of people involved. Your auto accident lawyer can talk to your insurance provider on your behalf after that point.
Not Gathering Evidence
When you have been involved in a vehicle collision due to someone else’s poor intentions or negligence, you may think it’s obvious who’s to blame. However, it helps to have proof. When an auto accident happens, and if you’re in a position to do so, gather as much evidence as possible.
Take photos of your injuries and clothing, and don’t forget to snap as many pictures of your vehicle and property damage as possible. If witnesses saw what happened, get their contact information so they can be contacted at a later date.
Don’t forget to take the license plate and driver’s license information of the other party(ies) involved, just in case you don’t have a chance to speak to them properly at the scene or they attempt to leave the accident site.
Finally, make sure you can access copies of the police report and your medical records after receiving treatment. With this information, you and your chosen car accident attorney can set about making sure your case is as strong as possible for maximum compensation. The goal is to ensure you can be reimbursed for your injuries, loss of income, pain and suffering, and future losses.
Reach Out To J. Alexander Law Firm If You’ve Been Hurt In A Texas Auto Accident
By doing your homework before an accident and contacting a car accident attorney after one, you can be in the best position to file a claim. Contact our personal injury law firm today to find out what to do next. At J. Alexander Law Firm, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.