Even though you may not see car crashes often, that doesn’t mean they don’t happen all the time. That’s even more true today, when car accident deaths are at an all-time high.
You never know if a crash will happen to you, so it pays to know how to handle the aftermath. Unfortunately, that’s sometimes easier said than done.
There are some critical mistakes in car accident claims to avoid if you want to increase your chance of getting a successful settlement. Below are five of the most common mistakes people make.
1. Waiting Too Long
It’s tempting to wait after getting into a car accident. You have to deal with car repairs and may be stuck in doctor’s offices. However, you risk ruining your case if you wait too long.
Many insurance companies have a claim filing deadline you must meet after an accident. If you wait too long, you may have your claim denied.
2. Not Calling the Police
A police report is something you must get after a car accident. Not every insurance company will take your word when you file a claim. They want police reports to verify the details.
Be sure you call the police at the scene to get the report done. If the police decline to come to the scene, head to the police station and file a report there
3. Not Getting Medical Assistance
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, that won’t always be the case. You have a lot of adrenaline pumping through your body after events like that. That can mask symptoms that point to an injury.
Be sure to visit a doctor to determine if something is actually wrong. You can then bring that information to the insurance company to ensure you get help dealing with your car accident injury.
4. Accepting a Bad Payout
Many people don’t know they aren’t required to accept an insurance settlement. Insurance companies will often try to pay as little as possible to customers, even though they’re supposed to offer great coverage.
In cases like this, getting help from an expert makes sense. Be sure to examine hiring car accident lawyer benefits to see why it’s worth hiring one.
5. Talking to the Wrong People
As mentioned above, if the insurance company or other party can get out of paying what they owe, they will probably do what they can. One way they do this is by paying attention to everything you say to look for inconsistencies.
That means you can’t afford to say the wrong thing when speaking with others. To effectively communicate, minimize your words and provide only necessary information, or alternatively, entrust all matters to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer.
Avoid Common Mistakes in Car Accident Claims
There’s a lot on the line when the insurance companies don’t play ball and settle your car accident case. When you’re trying to get help repairing your car and getting help with medical issues because of the crash, you can’t afford to take chances and make common mistakes in car accident claims.
Luckily, there is a lot you can learn before you get started that will help you prepare for success. Avoid the problems above, and you’ll improve your chance of winning your case.
If you’re interested in more helpful life advice, head back to the blog. You’ll find more guides that will help you handle other common situations.
