Blog > Uncategorized > Avoid These Common Mistakes After a Car Accident! Avoid These Common Mistakes After a Car Accident! Posted by Blake Ian on Oct 27, 2023 No matter how small, car accidents can have serious repercussions. It’s easy to make mistakes in the chaotic aftermath that could endanger your health, wealth, and legal status. It’s critical to comprehend the mistakes people frequently make after an automobile collision. We’ll lead you through the important actions to take following an accident, especially if you’ve been hurt, in our detailed guide. Avoiding these risks and obtaining knowledgeable legal counsel from specialists like Greenberg & Stein will help you protect your future and make sure you get paid fairly. What Should I Do If I am Involved in a Car Accident? Knowing what to do in the moments after a car accident is vital since it may be a terrifying and upsetting experience. Here is a step-by-step instruction sheet to help you deal with the circumstances successfully: Prioritize safety: Ensure the security of all parties involved, including yourself. Move the vehicles to the side of the road if the collision was small, and they can still be driven to avoid more collisions. Additionally, activate your hazard lights to warn other motorists of the danger. Check for injuries: Look for injuries to you, your passengers, and other accident participants. If someone is hurt, dial 911 right away, and if it’s safe to do so, administer first aid if necessary. Call the police: It’s crucial to call the police after any collision, no matter how small. They will record the incident and compile a formal report, both of which are useful for insurance claims. Exchange Information: Obtain information about the other drivers involved in the collision. Exchange names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the surroundings, and your injuries. Do not admit fault: Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, resist offering an apology or admitting blame. Determining who is at fault is a difficult procedure that should be left to insurance companies and legal professionals. Limit Communication: Watch what you say to witnesses, other relevant parties, and even your own insurance company. With the exception of the police and your attorney, refrain from going beyond the essential facts while addressing the accident. Seek medical attention: It’s crucial to get medical help as soon as you can, even if you aren’t in immediate pain. Some wounds, particularly internal ones, might not be visible right away. The documentation of injuries provided by prompt medical attention is essential to your case. Contact your insurance company: As soon as you can, notify your insurance provider of the accident. Give them factual and thorough information about the accident, but avoid assigning blame or making assumptions about what caused it. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: It’s critical to speak with a personal injury lawyer if you were hurt in the collision, particularly one with experience with car accident cases, like Greenberg & Stein. They can evaluate the specifics of your accident, assist you with the court procedure, and defend your rights. What if I am Injured? Your well-being is paramount. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, and seemingly minor injuries might have underlying complications. A prompt medical evaluation ensures your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident, Especially if You Were Injured Leaving the Scene A significant offense is leaving the scene of an accident. Hold your ground until law enforcement shows up. Premature departure may have legal repercussions and harm your case. Poor Documentation The key is in-depth documentation. Take detailed images of the accident scene, including any visible injuries, the state of the road, and the damage to the vehicles. Record discussions with the other people involved as well, and gather witness testimony. The right paperwork helps you make your case and makes sure you have proof to back up your assertions. Admitting Fault Even if you think you contributed in part to the problem, try to avoid admitting fault. Admissions could come back to haunt you. When discussing with the police, insurance adjusters, and other parties concerned, stick to the facts. Not Reporting the Accident Inform your insurance provider and the police as soon as possible about the collision. The right to compensation is preserved by filing a timely complaint, even though some injuries and damages may not be immediately apparent. Ignoring Legal Counsel It is crucial to speak with a personal injury lawyer, particularly one with experience like Greenberg & Stein. They are capable of navigating the legal system on your behalf and are knowledgeable about the complexity of personal injury legislation. You can steer clear of hazards and make wise selections with their help. Quick Settlements Quick settlements may be provided by insurance companies in an effort to reduce losses. These offerings, meanwhile, are sometimes insufficient and don’t take long-term medical costs, missed pay, or mental distress into account. Instead of settling too hastily, speak with a lawyer who can determine the genuine value of your case. Overlooking Future Impacts Accidents in cars can have long-term effects. Injuries sometimes take time to completely manifest, and emotional damage can last for a long time. Future medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, and potential lost earning capacity should all be taken into account in a thorough settlement. Handling It Alone It might be hard to handle the legal nuances of a personal injury lawsuit on your own. You can be guided through the procedure by an expert attorney, who will make sure that you adhere to deadlines, submit required information, and develop a strong case. You can concentrate on your rehabilitation with competent assistance while your legal team fights for your rights. Not Getting Medical Assistance Not getting medical assistance is not only unsafe for your well-being, but it can also affect your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. By getting medical help, you will ensure that your life is not in danger and that you will receive the care necessary to heal any injuries that you may have. Furthermore, the medical records, test results, and any other documentation that you receive will be valuable evidence to demonstrate the expenses that you had to incur due to the accident and the severity of your injuries. Why is seeking medical attention crucial even if I feel fine? After an accident, getting medical care involves more than simply treating obvious injuries; it also involves finding hidden injuries and creating a medical history. Shock and adrenaline can mask pain, causing you to overestimate the severity of your wounds. Medical experts can identify injuries and record them, providing crucial evidence for your case. Treatment delays not only make your disease worse but also make your case less compelling. How Do I Assess and Document the Damage Effectively? It’s crucial to accurately document any vehicle damage. Take pictures of the damage from different perspectives to show how extensive it is. Use your smartphone or camera to capture clear photos of the damage from various angles. Include close-ups as well as shots from a distance. This visual evidence is invaluable. Ask trustworthy auto repair businesses for repair estimates. Keep track of any costs associated with the accident, including any repairs, hospital bills, and other charges. These records support your claim for compensation and act as evidence. When documenting the damage, be thorough and accurate in your descriptions. Mention all damages, no matter how minor they might seem. Insurance companies need a complete picture to assess the claim accurately. Prevent Car Accident Mistakes with Expert Help from Greenberg & Stein! Having a legal ally like Greenberg & Stein on your side after a car accident can make all the difference. Their skilled personal injury attorneys are familiar with the specifics of auto accident situations. They can determine the full extent of your damages, evaluate the exact cost of your injuries, and speak on your behalf while negotiating with insurance companies. With their assistance, you may avoid the common blunders mentioned in this guide and work toward getting the highest settlement possible. Remember, your well-being and financial future are at stake. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional legal assistance, you can protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and secure the compensation needed to rebuild your life after a car accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at 212-681-2535. Related Posts: Who Pays for Car Damage in a No-Fault State Like New York? All You Need to Know When You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver in New York How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in New York? What Happens if You Don’t Report a Car Accident in NY? What Happens if I Have an Accident in a Rental Car in New York? Tags Share