Mistakes to Avoid After a Work Car Accident Injury
Injured victims sometimes make mistakes after accidents than can dramatically effect their ability to receive fair compensation. At The Miller Law Firm, we have seen far too many clients have their cases denied by the insurance companies because they committed on or more of the following errors:
- Don’t say you are sorry. It’s normal to feel you need to apologize after an accident, even if it isn’t your fault. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware that apologizing can be considered an admission of responsibility which may be used against them. You should also avoid statements like “I didn’t see you!” or “You came out of nowhere!” which they could use against you by making it seem like you weren’t paying attention while driving.
- Seek treatment and avoid self-diagnosing injuries. You should always seek medical care after an accident. Having a history of regular treatment from reputable health care facilities can make a huge difference when it comes time to fight/settle your case. Lacking any exams or treatment history will only make it seem as if you were never injured. A proclaimed, self-diagnosed injury from Wikipedia is not equivalent to a doctor’s report and will hold absolutely no weight in court.
- Don’t minimize your injuries. After the crash, the other motorist might ask if you are okay. Although you might feel fine, the truth is that many injuries are slow to develop after an accident. Back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and sprains or strains might take a day or two before you fully comprehend the severity of your pain. If you immediately say you feel “fine,” then the other motorist could argue that you are making up your injuries.
- Avoid taking a quick settlement. Some insurance agents will pretend to be your friend. They will travel to wherever you are at your convenience as soon as possible after an accident. They will have someone get you an appraisal for your car repairs and offer you an immediate settlement for your injuries and medical expenses. This prevents you from seeking further treatment or hiring an attorney to get fair compensation. Just because they travel to your house and offer you a check on the spot does not mean they are there to help you. Their goal is to offer you as little as possible so you will sign away your rights. It is a good idea to politely decline this offer and talk to an experienced attorney about your case.
- Never talk to an insurance adjuster without your attorney present. Insurance adjusters will sometimes try to get you to admit guilt or catch you in a lie. Having your attorney present will protect your rights to compensation following a car accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident call The Texas Bulldog today for a free case evaluation at 713-572-3333.
